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Chicago Tribune: When taxpayers trust Springfield ... Part 3: 'Honest, we'll only soak the 3%!'
The Democrats who rule Illinois are in a taxing frenzy. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has big plans for spending, not enough revenue to cover it — and those inconvenient gazillions in debts from decades of statehouse mismanagement. His planned escape vehicle, a graduated-rate income tax, is edging toward the November 2020 ballot. Try to ignore the raucous applause from Pritzker’s fellow governors in Texas, Florida, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan and 11 other states that don’t tax personal income, or tax it at a flat rate.
Will the Illinois House join the Senate, before their scheduled Friday adjournment, to advance Pritzker’s proposed constitutional amendment? No Republicans are expected to go along, so this becomes the defining vote for Democratic representatives. Those who fall in line become carriers of Pritzker’s pledge that only the richest 3% of taxpayers will get soaked. The other 97% of us get a tax cut.
Associated Press: Illinois lawmakers have 5 days left, 5 big issues to settle
The Illinois General Assembly commenced its spring session in January with a bold directive from new Gov. JB Pritzker for a balanced budget, legalized marijuana and sports betting, a revamped income tax system, and a multibillion-dollar state construction program.
It enters its final week with most of that work uncompleted.
Daily Herald: 85% of those who'd pay more under graduated income tax would be from Chicago and suburbs
When Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled his plan for a graduated income tax, he said just 3% of taxpayers would wind up paying more.
However, most of those who will pay more live in Chicago and the suburbs.
Champaign News-Gazette: More pension debt? Surely legislators jest!
Call them cliches or give them the kinder characterization of aphorisms.
Pithy sayings always have their place because, in a handful of words, they send a clear message.
Here’s one: The first rule of holes is that when you’re in one, quit digging.
Crain's Chicago Business: Can Lightfoot help the neighborhoods by helping downtown?
As mayor, her task in large part is to bring relief (“wraparound services and job training”) to neighborhoods that “are under siege and economically distressed,” Lightfoot told “CBS This Morning” a few days ago—treating “the root causes of the violence.” In other words, a young adult who has a job and feels good about himself or herself is a lot more likely to succeed in life than someone who has given up and sees gangs as the only out.
Northwest Herald: Woodstock City Council retains law firm for $25K in hope of obtaining historic tax credits for Old Courthouse
The Woodstock City Council has agreed to retain a law firm to help the city obtain federal and state historic tax credits for use toward an overhaul of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House.
The city has owned the properties on the historic Square since 2011 and has spent millions in renovations – but the buildings still aren’t fully functional. City officials are contemplating a plan that would use historic tax credits and tax-increment finance district funds to pay for a nearly $5 million overhaul.
Northwest Herald: Sanitary district manager resigns post during probe
Lake in the Hills Sanitary District manager Rick Forner submitted a letter of resignation Thursday at the tail end of an investigation into accusations of misconduct.
Sanitary District Board President Eric Hansen said in late February that a whistleblower provided evidence alleging that Forner had misused district property and funds.