A new report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shows Illinois has experienced falling tax collections, which may indicate trouble in the state economy; spending reforms – not tax hikes – are what Illinois needs to right its fiscal ship and boost economic growth.
Lawmakers should address wasteful spending in higher education, which is hurting students, their families, instructors and taxpayers.
Illinois has by far the most units of government in the nation, at nearly 7,000.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is seeking a court order to stop paychecks to state employees. Many speculate she is trying to force the General Assembly into a budget deal – one that would be bad for Illinoisans. But the General Assembly doesn’t have to be bullied into a bad budget deal. It can pass an appropriations measure to fund state worker payrolls and keep government from shutting down.
The New York-based credit agency cited the lack of action on a budget as the primary reason for the downgrade.
The new tax on plastic bags is Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s latest revenue grab.
A set of structural reforms that protect taxpayers and put Illinois on the path to prosperity.
Metra’s plans to raise fares go into effect February, hurting commuters and failing to raise enough for stated capital needs.
Illinois state senators are considering a budget with massive tax hikes, but is short on critical pension reforms, which would save taxpayers billions.
Nearly two-thirds of all school districts – and by extension, taxpayers – pick up some or all of each teacher’s required contribution.
Attempts to cut off state worker pay need not end in a tax hike.
Illinois spends more money on retirement costs than on university operations – and tuition keeps rising to prop up this overspending. Instead of hiking taxes to maintain current spending habits in higher education, politicians should shift priorities from propping up six-figure administrators to keeping tuition affordable for students.
Consolidating Illinois’ 859 school districts will lead to greater efficiency and help stem rising property taxes.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is spending money promised for rebates on police body cameras, a legal defense fund for undocumented immigrants and other programs.