How shock at McHenry County tax bills is fueling a revolution
How shock at McHenry County tax bills is fueling a revolution
Frustration over high taxes and government waste in Illinois need more than an angry social media post or a moving van. Some residents of McHenry County, Illinois, acted, and are winning reforms.
2 in 5 Chicago city workers are paid $100K or more
2 in 5 Chicago city workers are paid $100K or more
Chicago had nearly 15,000 municipal employees paid at least six figures in 2017, up more than 1,000 from the previous year. That’s more than 40 percent of the city’s workforce.
By Vincent Caruso
Pritzker gives $100 million in pay raises to some of the nation’s highest paid state workers
Pritzker gives $100 million in pay raises to some of the nation’s highest paid state workers
On his first full day in office, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced he will grant costly automatic pay raises to Illinois’ state workers despite a current budget deficit of more than $1 billion.
By Adam Schuster
If Illinois hikes gas tax, expect more drivers to buy across state lines
If Illinois hikes gas tax, expect more drivers to buy across state lines
Illinois already taxes 20 cents more per gallon of gasoline than Missouri. If state lawmakers add another 30 cents per gallon, expect an exodus of southwestern Illinois drivers buying gas and more in St. Louis.
By Brad Weisenstein
Inauguration day: 5 pro-taxpayer reforms Pritzker should push in 2019
Inauguration day: 5 pro-taxpayer reforms Pritzker should push in 2019
The Land of Lincoln has a new governor, but the state’s deep-seated problems remain. Here are five reforms that newly inaugurated Gov. J.B. Pritzker could pursue to begin setting the state on the right fiscal path.
By Vincent Caruso
Lame-duck Illinois Senate passes pay hikes for state department leaders
Lame-duck Illinois Senate passes pay hikes for state department leaders
The outgoing Illinois Senate voted with the House in approving large pay increases for state department heads. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk, though likely not until J.B. Pritzker is sworn in.
Lame-duck House passes state government pay hikes
Lame-duck House passes state government pay hikes
In the final hours of the 100th General Assembly, some state lawmakers are pushing to send a bill to incoming Gov. J.B. Pritzker that would give pay raises to state department heads.
Proposal would make Illinois gas tax burden the highest in the nation
Proposal would make Illinois gas tax burden the highest in the nation
Springfield is facing mounting pressure to enact a massive state gas tax hike. One proposal would make the average motorist pay as much as $200 per year in additional taxes on gas.
By Vincent Caruso
Quincy hikes property taxes to pay for pensions
Quincy hikes property taxes to pay for pensions
The Gem City joins a growing list of Illinois municipalities raising property taxes to pay for pensions.
How shock at McHenry County tax bills is fueling a revolution
How shock at McHenry County tax bills is fueling a revolution
Frustration over high taxes and government waste in Illinois need more than an angry social media post or a moving van. Some residents of McHenry County, Illinois, acted, and are winning reforms.
Christmas wish list: 12 gifts for Illinois taxpayers in 2019
Christmas wish list: 12 gifts for Illinois taxpayers in 2019
In 2018, Springfield handed Illinoisans more of the same repackaged policy failures. Lawmakers in the coming year should tape to their desks this wish list of taxpayer-friendly reforms.
By Vincent Caruso
‘Home Alone’ with a $38,500 property tax bill
‘Home Alone’ with a $38,500 property tax bill
As pension costs explode for Winnetka and the rest of Illinois, owners of the “Home Alone” house featured in the 1990 film are feeling the effects.
Holiday shopping and the sales tax scrooge
Holiday shopping and the sales tax scrooge
The average American will spend around $800 on gifts this Christmas. But making those holiday buys in Illinois will leave many families wishing they could get more bang for their buck.
By Austin Berg
With 517 laws passed last year, odds are some will help Illinois taxpayers in 2019
With 517 laws passed last year, odds are some will help Illinois taxpayers in 2019
New Year brings new laws as the 100thGeneral Assembly ends. Here are a few wins for Illinois taxpayers.