Work one day, get paid for whole month could end for Illinois lawmakers
Work one day, get paid for whole month could end for Illinois lawmakers
Illinois lawmakers are currently paid for the entire month, even if they resign before the end of it. A new bill could change that.
State of Illinois previously owned helicopter in crash that killed Kobe Bryant
State of Illinois previously owned helicopter in crash that killed Kobe Bryant
The state sold the helicopter in 2015 to ease budgetary pressures.
By Austin Berg
Illinois Tollway overcharged drivers $152K last year by not giving change
Illinois Tollway overcharged drivers $152K last year by not giving change
The Illinois Tollway is spending $33 million on toll machines, some of which can’t make change. The state agency’s legacy is broken promises, political patronage and overcharging Illinoisans.
By Brad Weisenstein
Chicago alderman proposes tax on childbirth
Chicago alderman proposes tax on childbirth
Amid Illinois’ population decline, Ald. Ray Lopez proposed taxing conception and licensing childbirth.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois cannabis taxes among nation’s highest, could keep black market thriving
Illinois cannabis taxes among nation’s highest, could keep black market thriving
Springfield lawmakers have yet to learn the lesson that money walks. And it’s not just to other states. Sometimes, it walks past the legal dispensary with a 40% tax rate and into a dealer’s house.
By Austin Berg
With voters set to decide on progressive income tax, Illinois wealth flight among worst in the nation
With voters set to decide on progressive income tax, Illinois wealth flight among worst in the nation
New data shows Illinois since 2010 lost up to $32 billion in income from people moving out. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s graduated income tax plan would hike rates on residents most likely to leave the state, on net.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
Illinois license plate sticker among most expensive in the nation
Illinois license plate sticker among most expensive in the nation
Illinoisans will be paying among the nation’s highest vehicle registration fees as part of a $45 billion infrastructure proposal pushed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the General Assembly.
Chicago commuter will see $286 parking tax hike Jan. 1 under Pritzker plan
Chicago commuter will see $286 parking tax hike Jan. 1 under Pritzker plan
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s capital plan calls for an increased parking tax, just one of the new ways drivers will pay more in 2020.
Will County board approves new $12M gas tax atop doubled state tax
Will County board approves new $12M gas tax atop doubled state tax
Will County became the first county to use new taxing authority under Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s capital plan, adding a new countywide gas tax of 4 cents per gallon atop state and local gas taxes.
By Vincent Caruso
Think those Illinois Lottery tickets help schoolkids? Think again
Think those Illinois Lottery tickets help schoolkids? Think again
Lawmakers sold the idea of a lottery with the promise the money would go toward education. But in reality, students never see the money.
By Adam Schuster
Illinois’ high sales taxes turn holiday shoppers into Scrooges
Illinois’ high sales taxes turn holiday shoppers into Scrooges
Illinois’ state and local sales taxes make shopping for gifts an expensive gesture of kindness every holiday season.
Report: Tax rain, plastic bottles and plastic bags to hire more state workers
Report: Tax rain, plastic bottles and plastic bags to hire more state workers
A new report recommends taxes on plastic water bottles, plastic bags and storm water as a way to hire more state environmental regulators.
Suburban families could pay $1,700 more in vehicle-related taxes starting Jan. 1
Suburban families could pay $1,700 more in vehicle-related taxes starting Jan. 1
The gas pump is just one place Illinois drivers will feel pain in 2020, when the remaining transportation tax and fee increases Gov. J.B. Pritzker approved in 2019 take effect.
By Adam Schuster
‘Home Alone’ with a $35K property tax bill
‘Home Alone’ with a $35K property tax bill
No longer are two guys in stocking caps attacking the Winnetka house made famous in the holiday movie, but property taxes and declining home values are still robbing the owners.
By Brad Weisenstein