Cook County property taxes up $909 million
Cook County property taxes up $909 million
Cook County property taxes rose by $909 million. Property owners should expect bills in the mail after Nov. 1, which are due Dec. 1
Vallas: What you should be asking about Chicago mayor’s budget
Vallas: What you should be asking about Chicago mayor’s budget
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered a budget that does little to improve the city or advance his many progressive initiatives. Here’s what it does, and what Chicagoans should be asking city leaders about what it could be.
Pritzker would veto Chicago mayor’s financial transaction tax plan
Pritzker would veto Chicago mayor’s financial transaction tax plan
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he would oppose a financial transaction tax that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants as part of his plan for $800 million in new taxes.
Kit Kat, Twix cost less because Halloween treat taxes are tricky in Illinois
Kit Kat, Twix cost less because Halloween treat taxes are tricky in Illinois
A spooky statute in Illinois says sweets made with flour aren’t candy. Halloween shoppers can dodge Illinois’ higher candy tax by checking ingredients.
What Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2024 budget means for Chicagoans
What Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2024 budget means for Chicagoans
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson presented his first budget to other city leaders on Oct. 11. While he kept his promise not to raise property taxes, there are other fiscal challenges that will hit taxpayers hard in the future and need to be addressed now.
$4.9B in pension, debt costs squeeze essentials from Chicago 2024 budget
$4.9B in pension, debt costs squeeze essentials from Chicago 2024 budget
Pension contributions and debt service now take up 40% of Chicago’s city’s budget.
The Policy Shop: Chicago’s accelerating wealth flight
The Policy Shop: Chicago’s accelerating wealth flight
This edition of The Policy Shop is by policy advisor Paul Vallas. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s promises are colliding with his problems, which will be on full display today when he delivers his budget address to the City Council. There’s a $538 million projected deficit. There are over 17,000 migrants expected to cost the city...
Chicago starts taxing ChatGPT, artificial intelligence
Chicago starts taxing ChatGPT, artificial intelligence
Chicago levies a 9% tax on leased computer software, which the city now claims includes artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT.
Vallas: Call Johnson’s real estate transfer tax what it really is: a commercial property tax
Vallas: Call Johnson’s real estate transfer tax what it really is: a commercial property tax
Brandon Johnson’s ‘Bring Chicago Home’ transaction tax is primarily a tax on the already overburdened and depressed commercial property owners.
Vallas: Chicago needs tools, transparency for responsible budgeting
Vallas: Chicago needs tools, transparency for responsible budgeting
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is continuing the mayoral tradition of giving the City Council and public too little time and too little information before a deficit city budget is passed. There’s little chance that will change soon, but it could be fixed.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, 48 aldermen accept pay raises
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, 48 aldermen accept pay raises
Despite budget experts predicting a $538 million shortfall next year between Chicago’s spending and revenues, only two city leaders opted to forgo automatic pay raises provided to top public servants in September. The mayor and 48 aldermen took theirs.
Southern Illinois taxpayers spend $134.4M since 2002 to keep airport open
Southern Illinois taxpayers spend $134.4M since 2002 to keep airport open
An underused airport near Belleville, Illinois, has required local taxpayers to chip in $134.4 million since 2002 to keep it operating.
Illinois cannabis buyers pay 89% more than U.S. average
Illinois cannabis buyers pay 89% more than U.S. average
The new report published by Headset found Illinoisans are paying 89% more for the average cannabis item than the rest of the nation. Researchers attribute the high prices to stifled competition.
What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?
What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has reportedly compromised on his proposed mansion tax in favor of a graduated real estate tax. What needs to happen before he can start collecting the extra taxes?