New Illinois budget includes $224 million for Obama Presidential Center
New Illinois budget includes $224 million for Obama Presidential Center
The state’s fiscal year 2019 budget is out of balance by as much as $1.5 billion.
En route to Rauner’s desk: Victories for licensing reform, regulatory rollback and axing golden parachutes
En route to Rauner’s desk: Victories for licensing reform, regulatory rollback and axing golden parachutes
Nearly 600 bills are on their way to the governor, some of which would be encouraging changes to the status quo.
Changes to federal SALT deduction expose Illinois’ high taxes
Changes to federal SALT deduction expose Illinois’ high taxes
House Bill 4237 seeks to get around Congress’ limitation of a federal deduction that benefits high-tax states, but residents would be better served by efforts to directly reduce state and local taxes in Illinois.
Rahm’s proposal would push Chicago Airbnb taxes above 23 percent
Rahm’s proposal would push Chicago Airbnb taxes above 23 percent
The mayor’s proposed 2 percent fee would punish short-term rental customers and providers.
Bad budgeting basics: How Illinois’ budget process hurts taxpayers
Bad budgeting basics: How Illinois’ budget process hurts taxpayers
It is time to give taxpayers and businesses the certainty they need to plan a long-term future in the state.
McHenry County state’s attorney: Consolidate townships
McHenry County state’s attorney: Consolidate townships
An investigation into the office of a former township official concluded with no criminal charges. But the probe did find evidence that calls into question the merits of township governance.
As city of Springfield sees taxes rise, its population falls
As city of Springfield sees taxes rise, its population falls
With pension debt straining city finances, local politicians have insisted on turning to its declining population for more tax revenue.
Taxpayers, reformers at a structural disadvantage in Illinois budgeting
Taxpayers, reformers at a structural disadvantage in Illinois budgeting
Yes, the state has a budget. But how that budget came to be reveals the reasons our state continues to spend with abandon, tax too much and fail in fostering an economy where its people can prosper.
Rauner signs spending plan into law
Rauner signs spending plan into law
While it’s the closest the state has come to passing a balanced budget in years, Illinois’ new spending plan leaves a lot to be desired for taxpayers.
Illinois General Assembly passes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers
Illinois General Assembly passes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers
A bill that would raise the minimum salary for teachers to $40,000 now awaits Gov. Bruce Rauner’s signature.
Budget gimmicks explained: Why the new Illinois spending plan is not balanced
Budget gimmicks explained: Why the new Illinois spending plan is not balanced
Lawmakers claiming to have passed a balanced budget are relying on a number of common, but deceptive, budget maneuvers.
Belleville school districts are ripe for consolidation
Belleville school districts are ripe for consolidation
Illinois has more units of local government than any other state in the country, many of which are duplicative and overlapping. In Belleville, where the majority of the city’s school districts cover fewer students than the state average, consolidation efforts could boost efficiency while saving taxpayer dollars.
Illinois school districts spend taxpayer money on Springfield lobbying
Illinois school districts spend taxpayer money on Springfield lobbying
Residents are seeing property tax dollars flow toward lobbying for policies that increase homeowners’ property tax bills.
Illinois General Assembly passes state budget out of balance by as much as $1.5B
Illinois General Assembly passes state budget out of balance by as much as $1.5B
Lawmakers voted to approve the 1,245-page budget less than 24 hours after it was revealed to the public.