Rev. Anton Seals
Rev. Anton Seals
“There’s a silence among politicians. An apathy, when it comes to property taxes. And a history of mismanagement."
To fight COVID-19 economic harm, Illinois must delay or cancel taxes and fees where possible
To fight COVID-19 economic harm, Illinois must delay or cancel taxes and fees where possible
Struggling businesses, individuals and families need relief while the economy is shut down. Despite Illinois’ financial woes, leaders can help the recovery by lifting government-imposed financial burdens.
State advises stores to temporarily ban reusable bags, but Chicago’s single-use bag tax remains
State advises stores to temporarily ban reusable bags, but Chicago’s single-use bag tax remains
Illinois’ grocery stores have told shoppers to leave their reusable bags at home to stop COVID-19’s spread. Chicago’s 7-cent bag tax will continue unless the law is changed.
Illinois moves Tax Day to July 15 in response to coronavirus spread
Illinois moves Tax Day to July 15 in response to coronavirus spread
The change puts Illinois in line with the new federal deadline announced in response to the spread of the coronavirus.
Proposal would cut pay for Chicago politicians to fund coronavirus response
Proposal would cut pay for Chicago politicians to fund coronavirus response
One Chicago alderman is calling for the city’s 53 elected officials to forfeit their six-figure salaries for 15 days.
Special report: Illinois must act now to guard against COVID-19 financial fallout
Special report: Illinois must act now to guard against COVID-19 financial fallout
Due to its poor financial health and lagging economy, Illinois carries unique economic and fiscal risks from a prolonged market downturn or recession. The state must act now to mitigate harm from COVID-19.
Illinois’ rainy-day fund can operate state for about 15 minutes
Illinois’ rainy-day fund can operate state for about 15 minutes
With economic challenges driven by the coronavirus ahead, Illinois finds itself missing an important financial tool.
Bill proposes to tie Illinois state spending to what taxpayers can afford
Bill proposes to tie Illinois state spending to what taxpayers can afford
Lawmakers routinely spend faster than taxpayers’ incomes grow. A new bill would put Illinois with the majority of states that limit taxes or spending.
Property taxes turning American dreams into Illinois nightmares
Property taxes turning American dreams into Illinois nightmares
Visions of the community’s future no longer bring comfort. Instead, they inspire crippling fear.
Pritzker budget relies on $800M in legally questionable accounting gimmicks
Pritzker budget relies on $800M in legally questionable accounting gimmicks
Illinois law requires the governor to propose a budget balanced with existing revenues. To do so, Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposes cutting aid owed local governments, raiding the road fund, letting health insurance costs pile up and withholding taxpayers’ refunds.
Illinois property taxes rank No. 2 in the nation for third year running
Illinois property taxes rank No. 2 in the nation for third year running
Property taxes in Illinois are nearly double the national average. Until state lawmakers trim down thousands of local governments and pursue pension reform, those bills wills remain high.
Why the soda tax ‘worked’ and the progressive tax won’t
Why the soda tax ‘worked’ and the progressive tax won’t
There’s no doubt: the county taxed soda more, so people bought less of it. It’s a simple lesson. So why doesn’t Springfield get it?
Bill would curb Illinois state budget gimmicks allowing deficits since 2001
Bill would curb Illinois state budget gimmicks allowing deficits since 2001
Illinois has not truly balanced its budget since 2001 despite a constitutional requirement to do so. A new bill would help change that.
Local government spending could soon be easier for Illinois taxpayers to track
Local government spending could soon be easier for Illinois taxpayers to track
A bill to make more public records readily available would better show taxpayers how local governments spend money.