Springfield’s Bad Santas can’t break their sin tax habits
Springfield’s Bad Santas can’t break their sin tax habits
Taxing people’s bad habits is a tough way to raise reliable revenue, but Illinois keeps trying to do just that.
Illinois State Police audit shows $2.3 million went missing
Illinois State Police audit shows $2.3 million went missing
Illinois State Police are facing audits showing $2.3 million is missing as lawmakers seek answers about old computers and late firearms IDs. Also, lawsuits and an indictment outline theft and sex harassment claims at the agency managing troopers.
Pritzker’s $2 billion COVID-19 aid slush fund uncovered
Pritzker’s $2 billion COVID-19 aid slush fund uncovered
Six months after state lawmakers hastily approved Illinois’ 2022 budget, a hidden discretionary fund has been identified giving Gov. J.B. Pritzker total control over $2 billion in federal COVID-19 aid.
Property taxes still rob ‘Home Alone’ house
Property taxes still rob ‘Home Alone’ house
Property taxes are the real thieves attacking the house used in the holiday movie ‘Home Alone.’ The house is available for a one-night stay this holiday, but not all taxes are included.
Illinois ranked “least tax friendly” state for middle-class families
Illinois ranked “least tax friendly” state for middle-class families
Kiplinger report finds Illinois’ sales, income and property taxes on middle-income families rank among the highest in the nation, making prospective residents think twice about moving to the state.
Illinois highways come with high costs, poor conditions, report finds
Illinois highways come with high costs, poor conditions, report finds
Taxpayers pay too much for the rough conditions they find on Illinois roads, according to a report by the Reason Foundation. Bad pavement and too much congestion come with upkeep costs that are among the highest in the U.S.
Expect higher gas prices, more drivers this Thanksgiving in Illinois
Expect higher gas prices, more drivers this Thanksgiving in Illinois
AAA’s Thanksgiving travel forecast predicts national driving rates will rebound to near pre-pandemic levels this holiday. For Illinoisans visiting family in the coming weeks, that trip will be cheaper if they can fill up out of state.
Chicago’s ‘Netflix tax’ revenues more than triple in five years
Chicago’s ‘Netflix tax’ revenues more than triple in five years
In 2017, Chicagoans paid $40 million in taxes on cloud computing and streaming services. It was $150 million this past fiscal year.
Illinois’ online shoppers face full local sales tax rates this holiday season
Illinois’ online shoppers face full local sales tax rates this holiday season
Sales tax revenue is up from pre-pandemic levels, in part because Illinois is now forcing online retailers to charge local sales tax rates as high as 10.25%. No tax breaks this Cyber Monday.
Steep property tax hikes to hit Chicago businesses struggling from pandemic
Steep property tax hikes to hit Chicago businesses struggling from pandemic
While phasing in the tax impact of sharp increases in assessed value could help Cook County’s commercial property owners adjust, holding down property taxes requires reducing spending through public pension reform in Illinois.
Chicago budget hands $500 monthly to some, higher property taxes to others
Chicago budget hands $500 monthly to some, higher property taxes to others
Chicago will spend $32 million on the nation’s largest test of universal basic income. What happens after that year is one question, as is whether handing out cash will truly fix anything.
Illinois’ gambling revenue chase closes in on Chicago casinos
Illinois’ gambling revenue chase closes in on Chicago casinos
Chicago is getting closer to getting a casino, but more ways and places to gamble do not necessarily mean more state revenue. Illinois would be better off betting on pension reform.
Illinois imposes tricky taxes on Halloween treats
Illinois imposes tricky taxes on Halloween treats
Taxes are different on different types of candy in Illinois, with some brands taxed six times more than others. Just because you can eat it, doesn’t mean Illinois’ tax policy sees it as food.
2 ways to fix Illinois’ too-high property taxes, teacher shortage
2 ways to fix Illinois’ too-high property taxes, teacher shortage
Redirecting some of Illinois’ school district administrative overhead could attract top talent to the more than 4,100 teacher openings. The savings could be $1,317 per taxpayer in one veteran teacher’s hometown. Reform pensions, and that amount grows.