Fare hikes on the way for Chicago train, bus passengers
Fare hikes on the way for Chicago train, bus passengers
The Chicago Transit Authority’s latest budget proposal includes 25-cent fare hikes.
Typical Chicago homeowner will face $174 more in taxes in 2018
Typical Chicago homeowner will face $174 more in taxes in 2018
Increases in several taxes mean a higher tax bill for taxpayers.
Illinoisans’ no good, very bad year
Illinoisans’ no good, very bad year
The biggest obstacle Illinoisans face in Springfield remains the same: an all-powerful House speaker, and members of both parties who are all too eager to kowtow.
Chicago poised to divert millions of tax dollars to private health provider
Chicago poised to divert millions of tax dollars to private health provider
Under the guise of rehabilitating underserved communities, City Hall preps another massive tax transfer to a private company.
Illinois flunks new nationwide fiscal report card
Illinois flunks new nationwide fiscal report card
The Land of Lincoln received the lowest possible grade in budget forecasting and legacy costs.
Advocate for lower property taxes faces dangerous backlash
Advocate for lower property taxes faces dangerous backlash
Local barber Bob Anderson has endured two attempts at intimidation since being elected to the McHenry Township Board on a platform of consolidation.
Illinois to splurge on Christmas lights, despite mounting debt to utility company
Illinois to splurge on Christmas lights, despite mounting debt to utility company
Springfield won’t let millions in unpaid utility bills get in the way of nonessential spending.
Rahm wants to squeeze Chicago eateries for higher permit fees, 2018 budget shows
Rahm wants to squeeze Chicago eateries for higher permit fees, 2018 budget shows
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s budget proposal includes jacked-up costs for business licenses and stricter noncompliance penalties.
For your entertainment: Latest Chicago tax hike hits concerts, theater
For your entertainment: Latest Chicago tax hike hits concerts, theater
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposed increase in the city’s amusement tax is nothing but the continued nickel-and-diming of Chicagoans.
Metra board approves fare hike, fourth consecutive year of increased fares
Metra board approves fare hike, fourth consecutive year of increased fares
The increase comes after last year’s hike, which cost yearlong commuters an extra $141 annually for their monthly passes. Metra officials have not ruled out further fare hikes or service cuts.
House passes phony property tax freeze, bill dies in Senate
House passes phony property tax freeze, bill dies in Senate
The politically motivated freeze would not address key cost drivers or protect Illinois homeowners from property tax increases.
Illinois ranks among bottom states in fiscal health
Illinois ranks among bottom states in fiscal health
A new study highlights the gravity of Illinois' fiscal crisis.
Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes
Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes
A proposal co-sponsored by 32 aldermen would mandate the fiscal consequences of ordinances be made transparent.
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Six years into retirement, Ron Guenther’s annual pension is more than $470,000 and is set to rise even higher, thanks to 3 percent yearly increases.