Madigan-Pritzker progressive tax: 2019’s worst policy idea for Illinois’ middle class
Madigan-Pritzker progressive tax: 2019’s worst policy idea for Illinois’ middle class
Other states’ experiences show progressive taxes creep beyond the rich and into the pockets of the middle class.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
Report: Illinois families average $331 in cellphone taxes, highest rate in nation
Report: Illinois families average $331 in cellphone taxes, highest rate in nation
Cellphone taxes increased nationwide – and Illinois moved up to be the top taxer. Add another $157 in tax on Chicagoans’ wireless bills.
By Vincent Caruso
Holiday shopping and the sales tax scrooge
Holiday shopping and the sales tax scrooge
Illinois' current patchwork of sales tax exemptions, oftentimes carved out by special interests, makes for poor policy.
By Austin Berg
Rahm to Springfield: State gas tax needs to at least double
Rahm to Springfield: State gas tax needs to at least double
Departing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel accelerated calls to boost Illinois’ gas tax to pay for local transportation projects.
By Vincent Caruso
Chicago anticipated to be nation’s weakest major housing market in 2019
Chicago anticipated to be nation’s weakest major housing market in 2019
A study by realtor.com ranks the Chicago region’s housing market slowest of 100 U.S. metro areas for 2019. That stat could be fixed, or made worse.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
Rock Island County hikes property taxes by nearly 12 percent
Rock Island County hikes property taxes by nearly 12 percent
County board members narrowly voted to hike the county’s property tax levy by nearly 12 percent to make up for a $500,000 shortfall.
By Janelle Cammenga
Repeal Day: Illinois’ sobering alcohol taxes, regulations a reminder of Prohibition
Repeal Day: Illinois’ sobering alcohol taxes, regulations a reminder of Prohibition
With the ratification of the 21st Amendment, 1933 marked the end of Prohibition in the United States. The Land of Lincoln, however, has continued to serve a cocktail of prohibitive regulations on alcoholic beverages.
By Vincent Caruso
Madison County makes history with generous taxpayer support of museum
Madison County makes history with generous taxpayer support of museum
Most county historical societies in Illinois rely on donations and memberships, but the Madison County Historical Society receives a generous infusion of tax dollars to run its museum and library. County leaders just cut the total, but why do they provide taxpayer support at all?
By Brad Weisenstein
Highland Park to hike property tax levy nearly $1M to pay for pensions
Highland Park to hike property tax levy nearly $1M to pay for pensions
Citing public safety pension costs, the city is expected to approve another increase to its property tax levy.
Chicago to state lawmakers: ‘Seize the opportunity’ for gas tax hike
Chicago to state lawmakers: ‘Seize the opportunity’ for gas tax hike
Outgoing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration is looking to make inroads on an increase in Illinois’ gas tax.
By Vincent Caruso
Geneseo hikes property taxes by 10 percent to pay for pensions
Geneseo hikes property taxes by 10 percent to pay for pensions
The city of Geneseo hiked its property tax levy by nearly 10 percent to pay for police pensions.
By Janelle Cammenga
Norridge hikes property taxes by more than 35 percent to pay for pensions
Norridge hikes property taxes by more than 35 percent to pay for pensions
Pressured by police pension costs, Norridge trustees voted to hike the village’s property tax levy by more than 35 percent.
By Vincent Caruso
Chicago slaps PlayStation users with expansion of 9 percent amusement tax
Chicago slaps PlayStation users with expansion of 9 percent amusement tax
PlayStation users will now see an extra 9 percent tax applied to some purchases on the platform.
McHenry County township consolidation bill advances to Senate floor
McHenry County township consolidation bill advances to Senate floor
The bill would make it easier for McHenry County residents to dissolve the county’s 17 townships at the ballot box – and find relief through tax savings.
By Vincent Caruso