Cook County’s notorious soda tax ends today
Cook County’s notorious soda tax ends today
With the repeal of the Cook County sweetened beverage tax, taxpayers remind elected officials who they represent.
Illinois borrowing $750M at near-junk credit rating
Illinois borrowing $750M at near-junk credit rating
The state is borrowing millions to finance capital construction projects and information technology improvements. But Illinoisans continue to pay for the worst credit rating of any state in the nation.
Chicago earns an F in new fiscal report card
Chicago earns an F in new fiscal report card
A new study shows the Windy City’s financial troubles persist, despite a series of tax increases.
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts
The village and school district will likely raise their property tax levies.
Southern Illinois University chancellor urges administrative spending cuts
Southern Illinois University chancellor urges administrative spending cuts
Despite objections from faculty, one university chancellor is pressing for a campus restructuring that includes curbing the tuition-heightening costs of administrative bloat.
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.