Illinoisans sentenced to life as ex-cons, even after offenses are no longer crimes
Illinoisans sentenced to life as ex-cons, even after offenses are no longer crimes
Illinois lawmakers’ approach to some minor criminal offenses has evolved, but not their treatment of the related criminal records that can haunt someone for life. A pair of bills could change that.
By Vincent Caruso
Pritzker ad walks back promise of tax relief for Illinoisans
Pritzker ad walks back promise of tax relief for Illinoisans
Gov. J.B. Pritzker promised tax relief for 97 percent of Illinoisans as a selling point for his proposed “fair tax.” But a new ad campaign abandons that claim.
By Vincent Caruso
House bill would bring more transparency to Illinois sales taxes
House bill would bring more transparency to Illinois sales taxes
Illinoisans face the highest average combined sales tax in the Midwest. A new bill would show consumers exactly where those dollars are going on every purchase receipt.
Senate bill would double Illinois state gas tax
Senate bill would double Illinois state gas tax
A bill that would double the gas tax imposed at the state level would drive up Illinoisans’ overall gas burden to second-highest in the nation – while hiking a truckload of other vehicle costs including higher license plate fees.
By Vincent Caruso
The horrid history of political promises in Illinois
The horrid history of political promises in Illinois
Voting for an amendment with Pritzker’s rates attached would be another political promise, made to be broken. And voting for an amendment without them? That’s just a blank check.
By Austin Berg
Jesse Boyle
Jesse Boyle
“Uncertainty is a business’ worst enemy, whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or a small business. “It comes down to whether our policy leaders in Illinois have the political will to stop raising costs. It doesn’t appear that they do. And it’s not sustainable for a smaller business. It just isn’t. “I know the first...
Pritzker’s tax promises rely on fantasy
Pritzker’s tax promises rely on fantasy
While key details behind Pritzker’s tax plan are still under wraps, new information reveals it relies on outlandish assumptions about Illinois’ economic growth.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill, Suman Chattopadhyay
Pritzker ‘fair tax’ comes with marriage penalty
Pritzker ‘fair tax’ comes with marriage penalty
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is calling his $3.4 billion tax hike “fair,” but his plan comes with a hefty penalty for some Illinoisans who choose to tie the knot.
John Moss
John Moss
“I moved here about seven and a half years ago and got a job at the health department. I had never been in a union before. They said ‘OK, well now that you work here, you have to be in the union.’ “The first union meeting I went to I was voted in as president....