Illinois passed a record-breaking income tax hike 3 years ago. Here’s where the money went.
Illinois passed a record-breaking income tax hike 3 years ago. Here’s where the money went.
Income taxes rose 32% for individuals and 33% for corporations in 2017, raising Illinois’ total tax burden to at least sixth highest from 10th highest. More than $1.2 billion went to pensions and debt.
By Adam Schuster
Pritzker signs bill lowering taxes on a Chicago casino
Pritzker signs bill lowering taxes on a Chicago casino
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers agree that when taxes are too high, not even a casino in the heart of Chicago can make money.
If Illinois passes progressive income tax, retirement tax comes next
If Illinois passes progressive income tax, retirement tax comes next
Passing the progressive tax would empower state lawmakers to go after seniors’ retirement income.
By Austin Berg
Every state with a progressive tax also taxes retirement income
Every state with a progressive tax also taxes retirement income
Illinois could be the next state to tax retirement income if voters approve the progressive income tax in November.
Pritzker fact check: Do most other states really have a ‘fair tax’?
Pritzker fact check: Do most other states really have a ‘fair tax’?
In more than half of progressive tax states, the middle class pays the maximum state income tax rate.
By Adam Schuster
Blame Illinois exodus on jobs, housing, tax policy
Blame Illinois exodus on jobs, housing, tax policy
Census data shows who is fleeing Illinoisans and why. Here’s why you should care.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
Automatic state worker pay hikes, gas tax hike coming to Illinois July 1
Automatic state worker pay hikes, gas tax hike coming to Illinois July 1
How fair is it that some of the highest-paid state employees in the nation are getting a raise that must be funded by an economically wounded bunch of taxpayers?
By Brad Weisenstein
Joliet considering citywide salary cuts to ease budget strains
Joliet considering citywide salary cuts to ease budget strains
The city has suffered significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Pensions will further damage city services even as the pandemic fades.
Illinois treasurer says ‘fair tax’ makes retirement tax more likely
Illinois treasurer says ‘fair tax’ makes retirement tax more likely
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said a progressive state income tax will open the door to taxing retirement income.
By Adam Schuster
COVID-19 economic hit forces Peoria to cut 45 city jobs, offer buyouts
COVID-19 economic hit forces Peoria to cut 45 city jobs, offer buyouts
Peoria’s financial problems grew critical from the coronavirus, but the long-term threat of pension debt will remain even after more severe cuts are made.
Illinois first to rely on ‘lender of last resort’ borrowing from Federal Reserve
Illinois first to rely on ‘lender of last resort’ borrowing from Federal Reserve
Illinois' credit rating is just one notch above junk, the lowest of any U.S. state.
By Adam Schuster
Illinois gas tax set for automatic increase July 1
Illinois gas tax set for automatic increase July 1
State lawmakers last summer doubled Illinois’ gas tax to help pay for capital projects. Each year the gas tax automatically rises, shielding lawmakers from responsibility for hikes.
Illinois sales tax revenues down 24% in May amid strict lockdown
Illinois sales tax revenues down 24% in May amid strict lockdown
Monthly sales tax collections in Illinois continued sharp declines compared to one year earlier amid strict COVID-19 restrictions. Neighboring states with more open economies fared better.
By Adam Schuster
Pritzker signs budget out of balance by $6B
Pritzker signs budget out of balance by $6B
Lawmakers made no serious attempt to balance the new budget, instead counting on a federal bailout.
By Adam Schuster