Illinois ranks among bottom states in fiscal health
Illinois ranks among bottom states in fiscal health
A new study highlights the gravity of Illinois' fiscal crisis.
Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes
Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes
A proposal co-sponsored by 32 aldermen would mandate the fiscal consequences of ordinances be made transparent.
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Six years into retirement, Ron Guenther’s annual pension is more than $470,000 and is set to rise even higher, thanks to 3 percent yearly increases.
Normal property taxes rise to fuel pensions
Normal property taxes rise to fuel pensions
Despite increases in city contributions to both its police and fire pension funds, Normal, Illinois’, unfunded police and fire pension liabilities are growing.
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion
Cook County governments have now amassed $139 billion in debt, a 30 percent increase over the last 5 years.
As other states repeal, Illinois death tax remains
As other states repeal, Illinois death tax remains
Both Delaware and New Jersey have joined a growing trend away from estate taxes at the state level.
Phony property tax freeze introduced in Springfield
Phony property tax freeze introduced in Springfield
The politically motivated freeze would not address key cost drivers or protect Illinois homeowners from property tax increases.
Chicago Alderman Ed Burke seeks to cut Trump Tower property tax bill by $3 million
Chicago Alderman Ed Burke seeks to cut Trump Tower property tax bill by $3 million
According to one estimate, Chicago Alderman Ed Burke is trying to cut the property tax bill for Trump Tower by more than $3 million.
Chicago to pay $20 million to parking meter company in 2018
Chicago to pay $20 million to parking meter company in 2018
As a continuing part of a bad deal, Chicago taxpayers will pay Chicago Parking Meters LLC $20 million.
Berrios defends delays in reviewing unfair property tax system
Berrios defends delays in reviewing unfair property tax system
Nearly three months removed from the initial call for review of the property tax system, Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios refuses to provide a timeline for completion and release.
Illinois bill backlog stands at nearly $16.4B
Illinois bill backlog stands at nearly $16.4B
The state has embarked on a plan to sell more than $6 billion of bonds in order to reduce annual interest payments and help pay off the bill backlog.
Taxpayers on the hook for canceled Chicago stadium show
Taxpayers on the hook for canceled Chicago stadium show
The Illinois Sports Facility Authority paid $1.6 million for a September concert at Guaranteed Rate Field, featuring Diddy and Fat Joe, even though it had to cancel the event.
House overrides Rauner veto on cursive writing mandate
House overrides Rauner veto on cursive writing mandate
Despite the potential for imposing new costs on school districts, the Illinois House of Representatives overrode Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto on legislation mandating cursive writing instruction.
The Illinois tax trick that’s years in the making
The Illinois tax trick that’s years in the making
Illinois politicians will continue to hail a progressive income tax as a quick fix to the state’s poor spending habits. Don’t be tricked.