Moody’s hits Illinois with credit downgrades
Moody’s hits Illinois with credit downgrades
Major ratings agencies are weighing in on the dismal state of the state.
Fitch cuts Illinois credit rating, cites budget gridlock, massive debt and sluggish growth
Fitch cuts Illinois credit rating, cites budget gridlock, massive debt and sluggish growth
The Illinois General Assembly is refusing to fix Illinois’ structural problems. Downgrades are the consequence.
Illinois’ tax revenues increased more than those of any state but North Dakota since Great Recession
Illinois’ tax revenues increased more than those of any state but North Dakota since Great Recession
A new study from The Pew Charitable Trusts shows that Illinois’ tax revenues are up by 20 percent over their pre-Great Recession peak, debunking the oft-repeated mantra that Illinois is just one more tax hike away from solving its fiscal problems.
Meet the politicians getting rich off Chicago’s property-tax scheme
Meet the politicians getting rich off Chicago’s property-tax scheme
Flawed property valuations and the process required to fix them are a cash cow for law firms, including those of House Speaker Mike Madigan, Chicago Alderman Ed Burke and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton.
Cook County plans to hike taxes on bowling, golf and cable TV
Cook County plans to hike taxes on bowling, golf and cable TV
“Pay to play” might take on a whole new meaning in Chicago.
Win more than $600 in the Illinois Lottery? You get an IOU
Win more than $600 in the Illinois Lottery? You get an IOU
The state budget impasse is having increasingly embarrassing consequences.
Company founded by political insiders received over $22 million from Illinois in vendor late fees
Company founded by political insiders received over $22 million from Illinois in vendor late fees
The state of Illinois has paid $611 million in late fees to vendors. Political insiders who have donated to some of the state’s most powerful elected officials are reaping the benefits.
Illinois state government takes in more tax dollars per person than every neighboring state
Illinois state government takes in more tax dollars per person than every neighboring state
The low-tax Land of Lincoln is a myth.
Rauner speaks out on the fallacy of ‘extreme’ reforms
Rauner speaks out on the fallacy of ‘extreme’ reforms
Gov. Bruce Rauner calls on Illinois lawmakers to save costs for the state by enacting collective-bargaining reforms for its government-worker unions.
Chicago tax collector hath arrived with massive tax hike
Chicago tax collector hath arrived with massive tax hike
Emanuel says, ‘we haven’t left any stone unturned ... not done yet’
Illinois needs a taxpayer bill of rights
Illinois needs a taxpayer bill of rights
Chicago's proposed $2.5 billion tax hike proves that Illinois taxpayers need protection from excessive and unpredictable taxation.
Perfect storm: Metra threatens line closures as Chicago mulls ‘congestion tax’ for commuters
Perfect storm: Metra threatens line closures as Chicago mulls ‘congestion tax’ for commuters
A federal mandate threatens to shut down Metra lines while Rahm’s ‘congestion tax’ would make it costlier for commuters to drive into the city.
Rahm’s budget plan phases in $2.5 billion in new taxes and fees over 4 years
Rahm’s budget plan phases in $2.5 billion in new taxes and fees over 4 years
Too bad it doesn’t solve any real problems.
Illinois’ statewide, unfunded mandates limit school-district budget flexibility
Illinois’ statewide, unfunded mandates limit school-district budget flexibility
It’s time to end Illinois’ practice of mandating spending and curriculum requirements – and give control back to local school districts.