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.
Metra board approves fare hike, fourth consecutive year of increased fares
Metra board approves fare hike, fourth consecutive year of increased fares
The increase comes after last year’s hike, which cost yearlong commuters an extra $141 annually for their monthly passes. Metra officials have not ruled out further fare hikes or service cuts.
House passes phony property tax freeze, bill dies in Senate
House passes phony property tax freeze, bill dies in Senate
The politically motivated freeze would not address key cost drivers or protect Illinois homeowners from property tax increases.
Illinois ranks among bottom states in fiscal health
Illinois ranks among bottom states in fiscal health
A new study highlights the gravity of Illinois' fiscal crisis.
Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes
Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes
A proposal co-sponsored by 32 aldermen would mandate the fiscal consequences of ordinances be made transparent.
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Six years into retirement, Ron Guenther’s annual pension is more than $470,000 and is set to rise even higher, thanks to 3 percent yearly increases.
Normal property taxes rise to fuel pensions
Normal property taxes rise to fuel pensions
Despite increases in city contributions to both its police and fire pension funds, Normal, Illinois’, unfunded police and fire pension liabilities are growing.
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion
Cook County governments have now amassed $139 billion in debt, a 30 percent increase over the last 5 years.
As other states repeal, Illinois death tax remains
As other states repeal, Illinois death tax remains
Both Delaware and New Jersey have joined a growing trend away from estate taxes at the state level.
Phony property tax freeze introduced in Springfield
Phony property tax freeze introduced in Springfield
The politically motivated freeze would not address key cost drivers or protect Illinois homeowners from property tax increases.