Illinois’ sweetheart deals tilt against small businesses
Illinois’ sweetheart deals tilt against small businesses
The state has chosen to coddle some big businesses while punishing the small.
When Illinois home values fall, but property taxes don’t
When Illinois home values fall, but property taxes don’t
If an Illinois worker takes a pay cut during a recession, she knows the state isn’t going to take an even bigger chunk out of her paycheck. That’s because the state income tax rate stays the same. But if her home loses value, too, she could still see her property tax bill go up. Government...
Hundreds of local officials in DuPage have salaries over $100,000
Hundreds of local officials in DuPage have salaries over $100,000
Residents of DuPage County pay some of the highest property taxes in the state - and the country. As taxpayers feel the pinch, compensation remains generous for many local officials - some have even enjoyed a boost.
More Chicago-area homeowners drowning in mortgage debt than in any other major city
More Chicago-area homeowners drowning in mortgage debt than in any other major city
A new study shows 13 percent of Chicago-area homeowners with mortgages owed at least 25 percent more than their homes were worth.
Fixing Illinois’ busted budgets: Spending cap amendments filed in House and Senate
Fixing Illinois’ busted budgets: Spending cap amendments filed in House and Senate
A proposal to tie state spending to what taxpayers can afford is earning bipartisan support in Springfield.
State of the state: Illinoisans starving for certainty
State of the state: Illinoisans starving for certainty
Mandating more reasonable spending growth is the first step in a journey back to solvency for Illinois. The cap provides certainty today for a more responsible state government tomorrow.
Budget Solutions 2019: The responsible budget for Illinois
Budget Solutions 2019: The responsible budget for Illinois
Even after a 32 percent income tax hike, the Illinois General Assembly passed a state budget in 2017 that will generate an estimated $1.5 billion deficit in fiscal year 2018. That deficit is projected to grow to $2.15 billion in fiscal year 2019, according to the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, or GOMB. The...
SPECIAL REPORT: Why Illinois needs a spending cap
SPECIAL REPORT: Why Illinois needs a spending cap
Spending has consistently outpaced state tax revenues in Illinois for more than a decade. To avoid future tax hikes, Illinois must impose real fiscal discipline on state lawmakers.
Lawmakers file bills barring state lawmakers from working as property tax lawyers
Lawmakers file bills barring state lawmakers from working as property tax lawyers
A number of state and local lawmakers in Illinois practice property tax appeals litigation. But a pair of bills recently filed in the General Assembly would end their ability to benefit at the expense of taxpayers.
House of pain: Illinois property taxes up, but home prices lag
House of pain: Illinois property taxes up, but home prices lag
Compared with the nation, Illinois has been a laggard in terms of housing appreciation.
DuPage County homeowners: Where do your property taxes go?
DuPage County homeowners: Where do your property taxes go?
DuPage County billed property tax payers $2.74 billion for 2016; this meant owners of a median-valued home in Naperville worth $388,000 had a $9,000 property tax bill.
House bill would require referendum before local tax hikes
House bill would require referendum before local tax hikes
A new bill introduced in the General Assembly would prohibit local lawmakers from passing tax hikes without voters' permission.
Jackson County residents see state spending grow far faster than local incomes
Jackson County residents see state spending grow far faster than local incomes
Growth in state spending per capita outpaced per capita personal income growth by nearly 40 percent in Jackson County.
Chicago vehicle sticker price increase starts today
Chicago vehicle sticker price increase starts today
The Office of the City Clerk announced that the change in prices for annual vehicle stickers would follow Consumer Price Index changes.