DuPage County voters to weigh in on per-mile driving tax
DuPage County voters to weigh in on per-mile driving tax
Voters in DuPage County Nov. 6 will give their opinions on a vehicle miles tax, a policy gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton have entertained.
DuPage County voters face ballot question on statewide property tax hike
DuPage County voters face ballot question on statewide property tax hike
Three economists made headlines in May by suggesting Illinois levy a new, statewide property tax. DuPage County voters Nov. 6 can declare their stance on whether that tax should be an option.
By Vincent Caruso
Sears bankruptcy may turn arena naming rights into a naming wrong
Sears bankruptcy may turn arena naming rights into a naming wrong
The village of Hoffman Estates penned a $1.8 million deal to extend the arena’s naming rights just days before Sears’ bankruptcy filing.
Joliet city manager collects nearly $100K in severance pay after less than a year on the job
Joliet city manager collects nearly $100K in severance pay after less than a year on the job
Joliet City Council members awarded their outgoing city manager a generous severance package after less than a year on the job. The ex-official will also be allowed to seek unemployment, even though some council members said he wanted to leave.
By Vincent Caruso
Report: Illinois’ budget health is the worst in the nation
Report: Illinois’ budget health is the worst in the nation
A new university study ranks Illinois last of all 50 states for fiscal health. Pension reform and spending caps are essential for recovery.
By Adam Schuster
Politically connected Rosemont employee earns 5 times the typical area household
Politically connected Rosemont employee earns 5 times the typical area household
Christopher Stephens’ family ties landed him a position in local government – and an annual income far eclipsing that of local taxpayers.
Schaumburg village manager rakes in 318% more than area’s median households
Schaumburg village manager rakes in 318% more than area’s median households
The highest-earning government employee in at least five municipalities far outpaces what typical local taxpayers in those areas bring in.
Bloomington creates mandatory business registry, hikes 100 occupational fees
Bloomington creates mandatory business registry, hikes 100 occupational fees
Bloomington City Council approved an ordinance that creates a mandatory business registry with a $50 entrance fee, in addition to hiking 100 permit and licensing fees.
By Janelle Cammenga
Waste watch: Evanston spent $700K on lobbying and promotions despite budget deficit
Waste watch: Evanston spent $700K on lobbying and promotions despite budget deficit
In an effort to close a $7.4 million shortfall, the city of Evanston’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year includes police and fire cuts along with a string of tax hikes – highlighting the need to trim government waste and push for structural reform in Springfield.
By Vincent Caruso
Chicago red-light cameras capture more than $670M over last decade
Chicago red-light cameras capture more than $670M over last decade
While annual revenues have fallen amid camera removals and other changes, Chicago continues to cash in on red-light cameras.
Chicago City Council passes e-cigarette tax hike
Chicago City Council passes e-cigarette tax hike
Mayor Rahm Emanuel pushed an e-cigarette tax hike through City Council within a matter of hours.
By Janelle Cammenga
Despite history of corruption, Chicago suburbs still contracting with disgraced red-light camera vendor
Despite history of corruption, Chicago suburbs still contracting with disgraced red-light camera vendor
At least five local governments in Illinois still contract with Redflex, the infamous red-light camera company at the center of one of Chicago’s most expensive corruption scandals.