TIFs: A mythical pot of gold for local governments
TIFs: A mythical pot of gold for local governments
Tax increment financing creates elusive troves of property tax “gold” – by depleting funds from local governments the mechanism intends to serve.
Off the rails: Estimated cost for Lake Forest Amtrak stop has grown by more than 400 percent
Off the rails: Estimated cost for Lake Forest Amtrak stop has grown by more than 400 percent
Efforts to add an Amtrak train stop in Lake Forest have been plagued by a series of setbacks for a project now estimated to cost more than $13.4 million.
Collinsville, Granite City sales taxes would rival Chicago’s under tax hike referendum
Collinsville, Granite City sales taxes would rival Chicago’s under tax hike referendum
Madison County voters have twice turned down a proposed sales-tax hike to fund school facilities projects, but the proposal will appear again on March primary ballots. If approved, shoppers in Collinsville and Granite City would see some of the highest sales tax rates in the country.
Wheeling approves $7M handout to developer
Wheeling approves $7M handout to developer
Despite residents seeing some of the highest property tax bills in the state, the Wheeling Board of Trustees approved a preliminary agreement giving a developer nearly $7 million to build apartments and retail space in the village.
Sonne DeVries & Dan Sheldon
Sonne DeVries & Dan Sheldon
“We searched for a house for about a year. We looked at horrible houses, but we were willing to do the work to build the house into something. This house was a disaster. We did a lot of renovations. We did the whole house. “We invested a lot into the house, and we enjoyed it...
Real relief: What Illinoisans looking for property tax reform can learn from Virginia
Real relief: What Illinoisans looking for property tax reform can learn from Virginia
If Illinois adopted Virginia’s spending habits along with policies that can reduce costs and raise home values, the Prairie State could vastly reduce the property tax burden that Illinois homeowners currently face.
Bill would expand airport property tax boundaries in Rock Island County
Bill would expand airport property tax boundaries in Rock Island County
House Bill 5816 would put all Rock Island County property taxpayers on the hook for costs at the Quad City International Airport.
Bill restricting government promotional spending advances in General Assembly
Bill restricting government promotional spending advances in General Assembly
An investigation in December 2017 found that a convention for municipalities and public agencies ran taxpayers nearly $120,000 in exhibition and hospitality costs. A proposal making its way through the General Assembly would bar state funds from contributing to these excesses.
Illinois House adjourns for month-long spring break
Illinois House adjourns for month-long spring break
House members won't return to the Statehouse until the second week of April.
School funding, the ballot box and Illinois’ high property taxes
School funding, the ballot box and Illinois’ high property taxes
Before your school district asks for another penny in property taxes, ask your school board what they’re doing to get their own house in order.
‘Friendly’ progressive tax proposal would hike taxes on Illinoisans making over $17,300
‘Friendly’ progressive tax proposal would hike taxes on Illinoisans making over $17,300
The $3.6 billion tax hike would cost the typical Illinois family $665 in additional income taxes.
On the record: Resolution filed to oppose a progressive income tax in Illinois
On the record: Resolution filed to oppose a progressive income tax in Illinois
A new resolution would put lawmakers on the record for supporting or opposing a tax structure that would likely lead to massive tax hikes on Illinois' middle class.
Belleville City Council to consider fee hikes
Belleville City Council to consider fee hikes
Some businesses would see license fees double, among other fee hikes meant to shore up city finances.
Study: Illinoisans’ property tax burden second highest in the nation
Study: Illinoisans’ property tax burden second highest in the nation
High property tax bills are squeezing family budgets across Illinois.