Study: Illinoisans’ property tax burden second highest in the nation
Study: Illinoisans’ property tax burden second highest in the nation
High property tax bills are squeezing family budgets across Illinois.
Report: Lake Forest officials squandered $200K on lobbying costs without city approval
Report: Lake Forest officials squandered $200K on lobbying costs without city approval
An independent investigation found nearly $200,000 went toward lobbying the state and federal government for an Amtrak train stop - funds that were spent behind the back of city lawmakers and taxpayers.
Employee claims jobs sold for up to $10K in Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s office
Employee claims jobs sold for up to $10K in Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s office
FBI investigations into Dorothy Brown's office have been underway for nearly five years, during which the clerk has disputed accusations of misconduct. But according to one employee interviewed by federal prosecutors, at least one of Brown's hires may have come with a $10,000 price tag.
3 proposals in General Assembly could bring progressive income tax to Illinois
3 proposals in General Assembly could bring progressive income tax to Illinois
Scrapping Illinois' constitutionally protected flat income tax would remove one of the only pro-taxpayer policies the Land of Lincoln has left.
Illinois Senate votes to advance marijuana legalization question to ballot
Illinois Senate votes to advance marijuana legalization question to ballot
The Marijuana Legalization Referendum Act would ask voters if they support legalizing recreational marijuana for people 21 and over. The question is nonbinding.
House committee passes tackle football ban for Illinoisans under age 12
House committee passes tackle football ban for Illinoisans under age 12
The CTE Prevention Act would forbid any child under the age of 12 from playing tackle football.
Yes, Speaker Madigan, you have a culture problem
Yes, Speaker Madigan, you have a culture problem
The speaker protects his own. Despite the growing tally of victims, that’s why so many lawmakers are still lining up to protect him.
McHenry County realtors face daunting task – selling homes with sky-high property tax bills
McHenry County realtors face daunting task – selling homes with sky-high property tax bills
Local realtors are having a difficult time convincing clients not only to move to the county, but to stay.
House committee passes bill capping growth in administrative spending at Illinois schools
House committee passes bill capping growth in administrative spending at Illinois schools
Illinois' spending on administrative costs is among the highest in the nation, sapping scarce dollars from the classroom. But a new bill would slow the growth in these expenses and align them with taxpayers' ability to pay.
Forgotten Illinois Decatur: The Soy City’s search for its comeback
Forgotten Illinois Decatur: The Soy City’s search for its comeback
Central Illinois, historically, has been known for its strong agricultural and manufacturing roots. And that reputation isn’t just local, it’s global. “The first time I had heard of Decatur I was looking at a sewer cap manufactured here – in Paris, France,” said Christine Gregory, the CEO of Dove Inc., a Decatur-based nonprofit providing programs and...
Janus v. AFSCME: The myth of ‘free riders’
Janus v. AFSCME: The myth of ‘free riders’
Government unions claim providing workers with a choice whether to pay fees to a union will result in "free riders" - but that claim is disingenuous.
New bill would allow state to place a lien on business owners’ property for unpaid wage allegations
New bill would allow state to place a lien on business owners’ property for unpaid wage allegations
A bill in the Illinois House of Representatives would allow the Illinois Department of Labor to place a lien on a business owner's property should he or she fail to respond to an allegation of unpaid wages within five days.
Janus v. AFSCME union march
Janus v. AFSCME union march
US Supreme Court hears oral arguments in labor case centered on Illinois state worker
US Supreme Court hears oral arguments in labor case centered on Illinois state worker
Springfield native Mark Janus saw his case come before the U.S. Supreme Court for oral arguments Feb. 26.