Forget your I-PASS? Prepare to see tolls double
Forget your I-PASS? Prepare to see tolls double
The Illinois Tollway is cracking down on I-PASS users who don’t have their transponders in their vehicles.
Illinois General Assembly, 2017 in review: State pet, state grain, but no fixes
Illinois General Assembly, 2017 in review: State pet, state grain, but no fixes
Illinois lawmakers passed hundreds of bills in 2017, but enacted no real reforms to boost the state’s economy, rein in the cost of government or provide relief to taxpayers.
Chicago’s dizzying alcohol taxes
Chicago’s dizzying alcohol taxes
The combined burden of municipal and state taxes on alcoholic beverages might make Chicagoans think they’re seeing double.
School districts across the state raise property tax levies
School districts across the state raise property tax levies
Illinois’ school district debt and unfair government union bargaining laws contribute to the state’s massive property taxes.
Christmas wish list: 12 gifts for Illinois taxpayers in 2018
Christmas wish list: 12 gifts for Illinois taxpayers in 2018
After a punishing 2017, Illinoisans are in dire need of reform from Springfield.
Last-minute Christmas shopping? Illinoisans brace for sky-high sales taxes
Last-minute Christmas shopping? Illinoisans brace for sky-high sales taxes
The holiday season is a time for giving. And, by the time Illinoisans complete their shopping, they’ll have given plenty – to state and local governments.
Island of Misfit Toys: Illinois lawmakers head for the exits
Island of Misfit Toys: Illinois lawmakers head for the exits
Thirty-three state representatives and senators will not be returning in the next General Assembly in 2019.
Mundelein passes property tax hike to pay for pensions
Mundelein passes property tax hike to pay for pensions
Village board members passed a 5 percent increase in the village’s property tax levy to make increased payments to police and fire pension funds.
Belleville passes $1.2 million property tax hike to pay for pensions
Belleville passes $1.2 million property tax hike to pay for pensions
Belleville aldermen approved a 12 percent increase in the city’s property tax levy.
Planes, trains and automobiles: Chicago’s high travel taxes
Planes, trains and automobiles: Chicago’s high travel taxes
Chicago has some of the highest taxes on travelers in the nation.
Bad Santa: Illinois’ ‘sin taxes’ among the highest in the country
Bad Santa: Illinois’ ‘sin taxes’ among the highest in the country
Despite diminishing returns, the Prairie State has yet to kick its excise tax habit.
Tax Increment Financing: Christmas year-round for local politicians, developers
Tax Increment Financing: Christmas year-round for local politicians, developers
Statewide use of slush funds ensures it’s Christmas every day for political leaders and their chosen developers.
State lawmaker plans to introduce township consolidation bill
State lawmaker plans to introduce township consolidation bill
State Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, is working on the framework for a bill that would dramatically improve taxpayers’ ability to eliminate township governments, of which Illinois has about 1,400.
The ‘magic’ of Metra: Higher costs, lower service
The ‘magic’ of Metra: Higher costs, lower service
Costs for Metra's administrative workers, including managers, lawyers, accountants and IT specialists went up 54 percent over the last five years.