Illinois is losing its core income tax base
Illinois is losing its core income tax base
High-income earners provide the majority of Illinois’ income tax revenue, and IRS data show that Illinois is losing these taxpayers to out-migration.
Central Illinois suffers while legislators take spring break
Central Illinois suffers while legislators take spring break
Illinois hasn’t had a budget in two years. And it’s been more than 15 years since the state had a balanced budget. But lawmakers – who are currently on a two-week spring break – continue to be paid.
Greater Chicago area lawmakers ignore needed reforms, head on spring break
Greater Chicago area lawmakers ignore needed reforms, head on spring break
While Chicago-area taxpayers struggle under a heavy tax burden, lawmakers – who continue to ignore reforms the state desperately needs – are now on a two-week vacation.
Tax Day 2017: Where does Illinois’ $38.1 billion in tax revenue come from?
Tax Day 2017: Where does Illinois’ $38.1 billion in tax revenue come from?
About two-thirds of state revenue comes from income and sales taxes.
The damaging effects of Chicagoland’s latest tax hikes
The damaging effects of Chicagoland’s latest tax hikes
Chicagoans have been burdened with a slew of new taxes and the full damage has yet to be felt. A state income tax hike, like the one proposed in the Illinois Senate’s so-called “grand bargain,” would only further harm struggling Chicagoans.
Illinois lawmakers want to tax laundry, storage unit services
Illinois lawmakers want to tax laundry, storage unit services
Senate Bill 9 would apply a 6.25 percent sales tax to laundry, dry cleaning, storage units and parking garages, among other services.
While Metro East residents struggle, local lawmakers continue to get paid over 2-week spring break
While Metro East residents struggle, local lawmakers continue to get paid over 2-week spring break
Local state Reps. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, and Daniel Beiser, D-Alton, are still getting paid even though the state still does not have a balanced budget.
Illinois Tollway fees a good example of how Illinois politicians interpret ‘temporary’
Illinois Tollway fees a good example of how Illinois politicians interpret ‘temporary’
Illinois politicians are once again eyeing a “temporary” tax increase, and residents should be wary. History shows Illinois politicians favor tax hikes over spending reform, and the Tollway and 2011 income tax battle offer examples of the dangers taxpayers face when politicians toy with a temporary tax hike.
Multibillion-dollar tax hikes will only exacerbate Illinois’ weak economic activity
Multibillion-dollar tax hikes will only exacerbate Illinois’ weak economic activity
The latest report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shows Illinois experienced falling tax collections, indicating trouble in the state economy. Spending reforms – not tax hikes – are what Illinois needs to right its fiscal ship and boost economic growth.
Belleville District 201 board approves 5 administrator salaries over $100k
Belleville District 201 board approves 5 administrator salaries over $100k
Though the median household income in Belleville is only $43,318, Belleville Township School District 201’s top administrators are making six-figure salaries.
Democracy in Illinois is a shell game
Democracy in Illinois is a shell game
House Speaker Mike Madigan and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin used shell bills to avoid the March 31 deadline for bills to pass out of committee. Madigan passed 936 shell bills. Durkin passed 528. Meanwhile, thousands of substantive bills died without so much as a committee hearing.
Illinois comptroller issues self, lawmakers paychecks despite appeal of circuit court’s ruling
Illinois comptroller issues self, lawmakers paychecks despite appeal of circuit court’s ruling
Rank-and-file lawmakers have received paychecks of more than $50,800.
Illinois lawmaker proposes taxing landscaping and other lawn services
Illinois lawmaker proposes taxing landscaping and other lawn services
SB 9 is part of the package of bills that make up the Senate “grand bargain,” which would have hiked taxes by $7 billion.
Illinois lawmakers head out for 2-week spring break without passing a budget
Illinois lawmakers head out for 2-week spring break without passing a budget
Though Illinois lawmakers leave without addressing the current fiscal impasse, it’s been 16 years since the General Assembly last balanced the budget.