The problem with property taxes in the Chicago suburbs
The problem with property taxes in the Chicago suburbs
Property taxes keep going up, but services aren’t improving. Paying more and getting less is a trend that residents want to see reversed.
Chicago ranks No. 2 in the nation for combined state and local sales tax
Chicago ranks No. 2 in the nation for combined state and local sales tax
The Windy City tied with four other major cities as imposing the nation’s second highest sales tax on residents among 124 considered. The report warns the city’s new status could be costing Chicago businesses their competitive edge.
Comptroller Mendoza’s plan aims to rebuild Illinois’ rainy-day fund
Comptroller Mendoza’s plan aims to rebuild Illinois’ rainy-day fund
Automatic transfers into Illinois’ rainy-day reserves could help when another fiscal crisis similar to COVID-19 happens.
Pritzker’s record: 24 tax, fee hikes taking $5.24 billion more from Illinoisans
Pritzker’s record: 24 tax, fee hikes taking $5.24 billion more from Illinoisans
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has added more than $5.24 billion in new or higher taxes and fees since taking office. Despite all that new revenue, the nation’s highest taxed state remains a fiscal mess unable to balance a budget for 21 years.
Higher revenue leads to tax cuts in 11 states, but not Illinois
Higher revenue leads to tax cuts in 11 states, but not Illinois
State revenue losses around the country have ranged from far less than expected to non-existent. Fiscally healthy states are giving back to taxpayers. That doesn’t include Illinois.
Pritzker wants local governments to use COVID-19 money for property tax relief
Pritzker wants local governments to use COVID-19 money for property tax relief
With billions in federal COVID-19 relief earmarked for Illinois schools and local government, Gov. J.B. Pritzker pushed them to use the money to lower or freeze property taxes. He made no mention of the state’s role in pushing property taxes to the second-highest in the U.S.
Andrew Carlin
Andrew Carlin
“High and growing property taxes here tend to depress home values.”
Illinois delays selling beleaguered Thompson Center in Chicago
Illinois delays selling beleaguered Thompson Center in Chicago
Illinois is again delaying the sale of the Thompson Center state office building in Chicago, which was neglected until the state could no longer afford to fix it. The state’s new delay is to take advantage of zoning changes and in the hope office space prices rebound.
Chicago’s debt grows to $43,700 per taxpayer despite federal COVID-19 aid
Chicago’s debt grows to $43,700 per taxpayer despite federal COVID-19 aid
Fiscal watchdog Truth in Accounting’s July 2021 report showed the Windy City’s pension-fueled debt rose by $2.3 billion from 2019 to 2020 despite receiving substantial federal aid during the pandemic.
Illinois gasoline taxes rise to No. 2 in nation
Illinois gasoline taxes rise to No. 2 in nation
Illinois drivers now pay the second-highest taxes on their gasoline in the nation, a new survey found. Before the state doubled the gas tax, Illinois ranked much lower.
Chicago almost hits bottom rank of 150 cities for high cost, poor services
Chicago almost hits bottom rank of 150 cities for high cost, poor services
Out of 150 cities, Chicago came in almost at the bottom when the quality of city services and the total budget per capita were ranked, confirming what most Chicagoans already knew.
Fact check: Pritzker claims balanced budgets; state reports show he’s wrong
Fact check: Pritzker claims balanced budgets; state reports show he’s wrong
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he achieved a balanced budget each year he has been in office. Not true, according to official state comptroller financial reports. Illinois budgets have been in the red for 21 years in a row.
State unemployment fraud could cost Illinoisans more than $1 billion
State unemployment fraud could cost Illinoisans more than $1 billion
A recent report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security revealed the state lost at least $14.8 million to fraudsters during the pandemic. But experts warn the full extent of state fraud could be closer to $1 billion.
Illinois infrastructure ranks high, but state finances pose big threat
Illinois infrastructure ranks high, but state finances pose big threat
With an abundance of freight lines and roadways, along with a reliable power grid, Illinois placed No. 1 in the U.S. for infrastructure. But state finances are a threat, and political pork needs to give way to projects that move the most people and goods.