East St. Louis police and fire pension fund crises risk state intervention
East St. Louis police and fire pension fund crises risk state intervention
East St. Louis’ police and fire pension funds experienced large funding shortfalls in 2016, putting the city at risk of revenue garnishment from the state comptroller’s office.
By Brendan Bakala
Costello stands with taxpayers, signs resolution opposing progressive income tax
Costello stands with taxpayers, signs resolution opposing progressive income tax
State Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Smithton, has joined the fight against a progressive tax hike in Illinois.
By Austin Berg
Madigan files resolution supporting progressive tax
Madigan files resolution supporting progressive tax
State lawmakers are facing a choice: side with House Speaker Mike Madigan or with tapped-out taxpayers.
By Austin Berg
Senate bill would give voters authority to cut property taxes by referendum
Senate bill would give voters authority to cut property taxes by referendum
Since 1991, some Illinois counties have traded voters’ ability to influence reductions in property taxes for a statutory limit on their growth. A recent Senate bill, however, would restore voters’ ability to reduce property tax levies through referendums.
By Vincent Caruso
Lawmakers stand for spending cap in Springfield
Lawmakers stand for spending cap in Springfield
A constitutional amendment to impose fiscal discipline on state lawmakers is gaining bipartisan support.
By Joe Tabor
Committee passes Senate bill taking aim at ‘golden parachute’ severance payouts
Committee passes Senate bill taking aim at ‘golden parachute’ severance payouts
The Government Severance Pay Act would restrict outgoing officials from exiting office with excessive severance pay.
By Vincent Caruso
Controversial hiring in McHenry County townships boost calls for consolidation
Controversial hiring in McHenry County townships boost calls for consolidation
The appearance of patronage hires in some McHenry County townships highlights consolidation efforts at the state and local level.
Report: Kendall County property tax rates more than double the national average
Report: Kendall County property tax rates more than double the national average
The average property tax bill for a Kendall County homeowner in 2017 totaled nearly $6,500.
By Austin Berg
Report: Metro East property tax rates nearly double national average
Report: Metro East property tax rates nearly double national average
Both Madison and St. Clair County taxpayers paid a higher effective tax rate than the national average in 2017, a year which also saw continued outmigration from the region.
Former Vernon Hills village manager to receive $161K severance package
Former Vernon Hills village manager to receive $161K severance package
While details surrounding the ex-official’s separation with the village remain undisclosed to the public, trustees’ approval of his $161,000 severance package went unobstructed.
By Vincent Caruso
Will Illinois pass a budget this year?
Will Illinois pass a budget this year?
History shows lawmakers prefer to avoid tough but necessary choices.
By Adam Schuster
Illinois House passes bill stopping pay raises for lawmakers
Illinois House passes bill stopping pay raises for lawmakers
House Bill 5760 would stop lawmakers’ scheduled cost-of-living adjustment. Illinois lawmakers are the fifth-highest paid state lawmakers in the nation.
By Brendan Bakala
House bill would shield retirement income from taxation
House bill would shield retirement income from taxation
A proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution would render residents’ retirement earnings off limits for Springfield.
By Vincent Caruso
Bad accounting hides true size of Illinois’ budget deficits
Bad accounting hides true size of Illinois’ budget deficits
Poor accounting practices prevent true financial transparency in Illinois state government.
By Adam Schuster