When taxes hit home(s)
When taxes hit home(s)
Making Illinois a more attractive state in which to plant roots is entirely within lawmakers’ control.
Report: TIFs fall short of economic development promises
Report: TIFs fall short of economic development promises
A new report analyzes the effects of “tax increment financing” on communities across the nation – and calls into question the merits of the widely used development tool.
Adan and Cynthia Villafranca
Adan and Cynthia Villafranca
“My parents came [to the United States] in 1969. I grew up in the Chicago area. “When Cynthia and I got engaged, we started home searching. We wanted a place ready to go. “I knew nothing about [the cost of] homeownership until I started to home search. I was looking in Oak Lawn, Oak Forest,...
State lawmaker falsely claims progressive tax ‘not mine to vote for’
State lawmaker falsely claims progressive tax ‘not mine to vote for’
At least one lawmaker is attempting to avoid responsibility for one of the most important policy issues in the state.
Is this the most toxic tax in Illinois politics?
Is this the most toxic tax in Illinois politics?
One wonders how many times an unpopular idea must be knocked down before it rises back from the dead. Especially when it means more money for the state. And especially in Illinois.
What goes up must come down: Why Illinois is ill-prepared for the next recession
What goes up must come down: Why Illinois is ill-prepared for the next recession
Poor public policy and inefficient government mean Illinois will struggle to provide relief for residents in need during the next downturn.
County referendum would raise Springfield sales tax burden to among nation’s highest
County referendum would raise Springfield sales tax burden to among nation’s highest
A proposed 1 percent sales tax for school facilities improvements would bring the city of Springfield’s combined sales tax rate to 9.75 percent – among the highest in the nation.
53 representatives sign on to letter opposing progressive tax
53 representatives sign on to letter opposing progressive tax
Taxpayers across Illinois oppose a progressive tax but many state lawmakers still refuse to stand up against House Speaker Mike Madigan’s progressive tax push.
Rauner signs bill banning ticket quotas in Chicago
Rauner signs bill banning ticket quotas in Chicago
Chicago will no longer be exempted from a state law barring Illinois municipalities from imposing ticket quotas on local police departments.
Will lawmakers push per-mile driving tax in Illinois?
Will lawmakers push per-mile driving tax in Illinois?
Illinoisans already get hosed at the pump, but politicians are looking for new ways to soak drivers.
Springfield taxpayers could see savings through township consolidation
Springfield taxpayers could see savings through township consolidation
A ballot question asking voters whether to eliminate Capital Township could bring savings to Springfield taxpayers – but that would just be one of many steps worth taking to lower Springfield’s high property taxes.
IRS moves to block Illinois lawmakers’ tax credit workaround scheme
IRS moves to block Illinois lawmakers’ tax credit workaround scheme
New IRS rules make clear that lowering the actual tax burden, not complicated workarounds, is the correct way to respond to tighter federal restrictions on SALT deductions.
Rauner vetoes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers statewide
Rauner vetoes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers statewide
Dictating teachers’ salaries from Springfield would impose a costly mandate on local school districts and expose struggling homeowners across the state to property tax hikes.
Sherry Arnold
Sherry Arnold
“I first came here in 1989. I moved for four years out to North Carolina and then came back. I was excited about moving back because my grandbaby was being born. “I thought I’d just retire here. Then all the taxes came. “We’re going to move out by the spring. “My land taxes doubled from...