Pritzker proposes at least $250 million for affordable housing
Pritzker proposes at least $250 million for affordable housing
The money would be spread across several programs meant to create more units.
Illinois lawmakers considering statewide bag tax
Illinois lawmakers considering statewide bag tax
Illinoisans would pay a new bag tax under a proposed bill in Springfield. The tax would only deepen concerns that the state keeps increasing the cost burden.
Springfield proposals pushing income tax plan voters already rejected
Springfield proposals pushing income tax plan voters already rejected
Illinois voters rejected a graduated income tax in 2020. State politicians are trying again.
Illinois top 10 for highest in-state tuition, new bill to find out why
Illinois top 10 for highest in-state tuition, new bill to find out why
A new bill in Springfield would provide a roadmap to make higher education more affordable and competitive.
Pritzker’s $56 billion budget relies on $700 million in new revenue
Pritzker’s $56 billion budget relies on $700 million in new revenue
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s $56 billion budget proposal for 2027 relies in more than $700 million in new revenue.
Waste watch: Illinois uses temporary federal aid to fund ongoing social programs
Waste watch: Illinois uses temporary federal aid to fund ongoing social programs
Illinois lawmakers diverted at least $74 million in one-time pandemic relief funds to select social programs and nonprofits.
Pritzker proposes record-setting $56 billion budget
Pritzker proposes record-setting $56 billion budget
Spending proposal features $1 billion in updated revenue assumptions, $589 million in tax and fee hikes and $139 million in fund sweeps.
Illinois’ increased revenue because of federal economy, not state lawmakers
Illinois’ increased revenue because of federal economy, not state lawmakers
Higher tax revenue paints a better picture for Illinois’ budget, but increases have been driven by strong national economy, rather than local policy.
Waste watch: Illinois spends $4.4M on podcast, music studios
Waste watch: Illinois spends $4.4M on podcast, music studios
Illinois’ broken budgeting process allows legislators to hand taxpayer money to podcasting and production studios.
Illinois “spending cuts” aren’t from good behavior
Illinois “spending cuts” aren’t from good behavior
Illinois lawmakers claim the state saved nearly $500 million in fiscal year 2026, but most “savings” are either from federal decisions or shifting costs, not serious fiscal restraint.
Commuter changed jobs to avoid tolls, warns of rate hikes
Commuter changed jobs to avoid tolls, warns of rate hikes
State lawmakers voted to hike road tolls in 2027, even though the state has billions in the road fund it’s not using. Some drivers are reconsidering their commutes; Laura Valdez explains why she cut toll roads out of her routine years ago.
Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances
Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances
Pro-growth policies and fiscal responsibility can ensure Illinois’ long-term budget health. Here’s how state leaders can do it.
Waste watch: Illinois gives $45M to select business groups
Waste watch: Illinois gives $45M to select business groups
Some Illinois lawmakers handed money to their local business associations. Should everyone’s taxes subsidize certain groups because their lawmakers had clout?
Illinois county updated tax sale, participation dropped
Illinois county updated tax sale, participation dropped
White County joined Rock Island in altering tax sale rules to stop equity theft. The moves are intended to protect them from an unconstitutional state law.