Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Tell us again why we pay Illinois lawmakers?
As lawmakers in Springfield careen toward a May 31 adjournment deadline, let’s get a few things straight. They haven’t agreed yet on a balanced budget for the fiscal year that starts in six weeks. They haven’t passed legislation to deal with the state’s alarming pension debt. They haven’t negotiated changes to programs that would make Illinois more business and tax friendly.
The willful negligence of floating past the most serious challenges facing Illinois is repeating itself. No one should be surprised. The Illinois legislature is an avoidance expert. Fed-up residents respond by fleeing the state in alarming droves. State universities struggle to attract and keep students. Property taxes remain among the highest in the country.
Chicago Sun-Times: Property tax hikes shock some North Side homeowners
A week or so ago, retired Chicago Public Schools teacher Josephine Sennet received a letter from the Cook County assessor’s office, and what she read inside floored her.
In the space of a year, the estimated market value of her home in the Lakewood Balmoral neighborhood had shot up about 51 percent, likely meaning a huge increase in future property taxes. Reactions have been similar across this North Side enclave of handsome, historic homes.
Belleville News-Democrat: You owe Illinois $50,800. Just add 1 percent to your property taxes.
There was a trifecta of happy Illinois financial news this past week, leading with the fact that you owe Illinois $50,800.
That’s how much your state leaders have obligated you to pay.
Decatur Herald & Review: Should Illinois townships go away? Legislation would make it easier to do exactly that
Lisa Stanley has always seen her role as answering directly to the people. As she prepares for her sixth year as Decatur Township supervisor, Stanley said she has seen firsthand how the township form of government can help those forgotten by the larger government entities.
“We’re servicing the people who have absolutely nothing — and they will fall through the cracks if it weren’t for townships,” she said.
Northwest Herald: Algonquin Township trustee questions taxpayer-funded Springfield trip
Algonquin Township Trustee Rachael Lawrence raised questions this week about her colleagues’ spending at a township-funded trip to Springfield to attend a conference organized by Township Officials of Illinois.
Lawrence – who also attended the conference, but used her own money to pay her way – said at Monday night’s meeting that the bills should not be approved by the board.
Northwest Herald: Lakemoor removes red light cameras for construction; lawsuit remains active
The village of Lakemoor has removed its red-light cameras, but drivers might not be in the clear for good.
Lakemoor officials said they removed the cameras because of a construction project, and the devices could go back up.