Normal property taxes rise to fuel pensions
Normal property taxes rise to fuel pensions
Despite increases in city contributions to both its police and fire pension funds, Normal, Illinois’, unfunded police and fire pension liabilities are growing.
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion
Cook County governments have now amassed $139 billion in debt, a 30 percent increase over the last 5 years.
As other states repeal, Illinois death tax remains
As other states repeal, Illinois death tax remains
Both Delaware and New Jersey have joined a growing trend away from estate taxes at the state level.
Phony property tax freeze introduced in Springfield
Phony property tax freeze introduced in Springfield
The politically motivated freeze would not address key cost drivers or protect Illinois homeowners from property tax increases.
Chicago Alderman Ed Burke seeks to cut Trump Tower property tax bill by $3 million
Chicago Alderman Ed Burke seeks to cut Trump Tower property tax bill by $3 million
According to one estimate, Chicago Alderman Ed Burke is trying to cut the property tax bill for Trump Tower by more than $3 million.
Chicago to pay $20 million to parking meter company in 2018
Chicago to pay $20 million to parking meter company in 2018
As a continuing part of a bad deal, Chicago taxpayers will pay Chicago Parking Meters LLC $20 million.
Berrios defends delays in reviewing unfair property tax system
Berrios defends delays in reviewing unfair property tax system
Nearly three months removed from the initial call for review of the property tax system, Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios refuses to provide a timeline for completion and release.
Illinois bill backlog stands at nearly $16.4B
Illinois bill backlog stands at nearly $16.4B
The state has embarked on a plan to sell more than $6 billion of bonds in order to reduce annual interest payments and help pay off the bill backlog.
Taxpayers on the hook for canceled Chicago stadium show
Taxpayers on the hook for canceled Chicago stadium show
The Illinois Sports Facility Authority paid $1.6 million for a September concert at Guaranteed Rate Field, featuring Diddy and Fat Joe, even though it had to cancel the event.
House overrides Rauner veto on cursive writing mandate
House overrides Rauner veto on cursive writing mandate
Despite the potential for imposing new costs on school districts, the Illinois House of Representatives overrode Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto on legislation mandating cursive writing instruction.
The Illinois tax trick that’s years in the making
The Illinois tax trick that’s years in the making
Illinois politicians will continue to hail a progressive income tax as a quick fix to the state’s poor spending habits. Don’t be tricked.
Downstate superintendent is called to resign, receives bonus
Downstate superintendent is called to resign, receives bonus
Nashville Community High School District 99’s superintendent received a $63,540 bonus after retiring amid a backlash caused by a controversial column in a local newspaper.
Illinoisans see less income after taxes than residents of all neighboring states
Illinoisans see less income after taxes than residents of all neighboring states
Illinoisans saw more than 30 percent of their income go to income taxes and property taxes from March 2015 to March 2016 – a higher share than residents of every bordering state.
Rahm’s new budget packed with fee hikes and false hope
Rahm’s new budget packed with fee hikes and false hope
In his annual budget address, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel painted a rosy picture about city finances while selling more tax and fee increases.