Al Marogil
Al Marogil
"Without changing the current system, we will continue to drive people out of Illinois and stifle economic growth."
Chicago’s test to hand $500 a month to low-income families stalls
Chicago’s test to hand $500 a month to low-income families stalls
Quick relief was promised for select needy families in Chicago, but it now looks like it will be summer before any of the $500-a-month checks are issued. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the delay is to prevent abuse.
Sales taxes are holiday gift that keeps on taking
Sales taxes are holiday gift that keeps on taking
Illinois imposes some of the nation’s highest sales taxes on holiday shoppers, and this year online shopping will no longer offer a break.
Springfield’s Bad Santas can’t break their sin tax habits
Springfield’s Bad Santas can’t break their sin tax habits
Taxing people’s bad habits is a tough way to raise reliable revenue, but Illinois keeps trying to do just that.
Illinois State Police audit shows $2.3 million went missing
Illinois State Police audit shows $2.3 million went missing
Illinois State Police are facing audits showing $2.3 million is missing as lawmakers seek answers about old computers and late firearms IDs. Also, lawsuits and an indictment outline theft and sex harassment claims at the agency managing troopers.
Pritzker’s $2 billion COVID-19 aid slush fund uncovered
Pritzker’s $2 billion COVID-19 aid slush fund uncovered
Six months after state lawmakers hastily approved Illinois’ 2022 budget, a hidden discretionary fund has been identified giving Gov. J.B. Pritzker total control over $2 billion in federal COVID-19 aid.
Property taxes still rob ‘Home Alone’ house
Property taxes still rob ‘Home Alone’ house
Property taxes are the real thieves attacking the house used in the holiday movie ‘Home Alone.’ The house is available for a one-night stay this holiday, but not all taxes are included.
Illinois ranked “least tax friendly” state for middle-class families
Illinois ranked “least tax friendly” state for middle-class families
Kiplinger report finds Illinois’ sales, income and property taxes on middle-income families rank among the highest in the nation, making prospective residents think twice about moving to the state.
Illinois highways come with high costs, poor conditions, report finds
Illinois highways come with high costs, poor conditions, report finds
Taxpayers pay too much for the rough conditions they find on Illinois roads, according to a report by the Reason Foundation. Bad pavement and too much congestion come with upkeep costs that are among the highest in the U.S.
Expect higher gas prices, more drivers this Thanksgiving in Illinois
Expect higher gas prices, more drivers this Thanksgiving in Illinois
AAA’s Thanksgiving travel forecast predicts national driving rates will rebound to near pre-pandemic levels this holiday. For Illinoisans visiting family in the coming weeks, that trip will be cheaper if they can fill up out of state.
Chicago’s ‘Netflix tax’ revenues more than triple in five years
Chicago’s ‘Netflix tax’ revenues more than triple in five years
In 2017, Chicagoans paid $40 million in taxes on cloud computing and streaming services. It was $150 million this past fiscal year.
Illinois’ online shoppers face full local sales tax rates this holiday season
Illinois’ online shoppers face full local sales tax rates this holiday season
Sales tax revenue is up from pre-pandemic levels, in part because Illinois is now forcing online retailers to charge local sales tax rates as high as 10.25%. No tax breaks this Cyber Monday.
Steep property tax hikes to hit Chicago businesses struggling from pandemic
Steep property tax hikes to hit Chicago businesses struggling from pandemic
While phasing in the tax impact of sharp increases in assessed value could help Cook County’s commercial property owners adjust, holding down property taxes requires reducing spending through public pension reform in Illinois.
Chicago budget hands $500 monthly to some, higher property taxes to others
Chicago budget hands $500 monthly to some, higher property taxes to others
Chicago will spend $32 million on the nation’s largest test of universal basic income. What happens after that year is one question, as is whether handing out cash will truly fix anything.