A solution to the property tax problem
A solution to the property tax problem
Illinois has by far the most units of government in the nation, at nearly 7,000.
Illinois lawmakers can avoid a government shutdown and a bad budget deal by passing an appropriations measure
Illinois lawmakers can avoid a government shutdown and a bad budget deal by passing an appropriations measure
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is seeking a court order to stop paychecks to state employees. Many speculate she is trying to force the General Assembly into a budget deal – one that would be bad for Illinoisans. But the General Assembly doesn’t have to be bullied into a bad budget deal. It can pass an appropriations measure to fund state worker payrolls and keep government from shutting down.
Fitch downgrades Illinois’ credit rating
Fitch downgrades Illinois’ credit rating
The New York-based credit agency cited the lack of action on a budget as the primary reason for the downgrade.
Chicago’s new plastic bag tax goes into effect Feb. 1
Chicago’s new plastic bag tax goes into effect Feb. 1
The new tax on plastic bags is Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s latest revenue grab.
Budget Solutions 2018: Balancing the state budget without tax hikes
Budget Solutions 2018: Balancing the state budget without tax hikes
A set of structural reforms that protect taxpayers and put Illinois on the path to prosperity.
Metra fare hikes to take effect in February
Metra fare hikes to take effect in February
Metra’s plans to raise fares go into effect February, hurting commuters and failing to raise enough for stated capital needs.
Instead of tax hikes, eliminate the sick-day perk driving up pension costs
Instead of tax hikes, eliminate the sick-day perk driving up pension costs
Illinois state senators are considering a budget with massive tax hikes, but is short on critical pension reforms, which would save taxpayers billions.
Teacher pension pickups cost taxpayers $380 million per year
Teacher pension pickups cost taxpayers $380 million per year
Nearly two-thirds of all school districts – and by extension, taxpayers – pick up some or all of each teacher’s required contribution.
Lisa Madigan moves to shut down state government
Lisa Madigan moves to shut down state government
Attempts to cut off state worker pay need not end in a tax hike.
Instead of tax hikes, reform higher education to prioritize students over administrators
Instead of tax hikes, reform higher education to prioritize students over administrators
Illinois spends more money on retirement costs than on university operations – and tuition keeps rising to prop up this overspending. Instead of hiking taxes to maintain current spending habits in higher education, politicians should shift priorities from propping up six-figure administrators to keeping tuition affordable for students.
Consolidating school districts could save Illinois taxpayers billions
Consolidating school districts could save Illinois taxpayers billions
Consolidating Illinois’ 859 school districts will lead to greater efficiency and help stem rising property taxes.
Property tax rebate program for Chicago homeowners turns into Rahm’s slush fund
Property tax rebate program for Chicago homeowners turns into Rahm’s slush fund
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is spending money promised for rebates on police body cameras, a legal defense fund for undocumented immigrants and other programs.
Instead of a tax hike, consolidate Illinois’ 7,000 units of local government
Instead of a tax hike, consolidate Illinois’ 7,000 units of local government
As lawmakers consider massive tax hikes on Illinoisans, they should look to consolidate nearly 7,000 units of local government and to cut their high administrative costs.
Illinois Senate budget proposal weak on consolidation
Illinois Senate budget proposal weak on consolidation
Instead of giving Illinois residents the power to initiate referendums on local government consolidation, Senate Bill 3 vests this power in government officials, who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.