Slow economic growth stops Illinoisans from getting ahead
Slow economic growth stops Illinoisans from getting ahead
Illinois ranks 44th in the country on entrepreneurship and economic growth, which stops people from getting ahead.
Chicago borrows $830M, but mayor can’t use it for Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago borrows $830M, but mayor can’t use it for Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson secured approval for his $830 million borrowing plan but can no longer use the money to benefit his cronies at the Chicago Teachers Union. The city just grew its nearly $41 billion in debt.
Illinois’ flat income tax puts taxpayers exactly in middle, encourages wealthy to stay
Illinois’ flat income tax puts taxpayers exactly in middle, encourages wealthy to stay
A new report from the Tax Foundation shows the typical Illinois taxpayer will save big thanks to the constitutional protections of Illinois’ flat tax. Some state lawmakers want to take that protection away.
New bills would help keep state spending in check
New bills would help keep state spending in check
House Bill 3014 and Senate Bill 1546 would tie Illinois’ spending growth to GDP growth, potentially saving billions of dollars as the state needs to live within its means.
Pritzker’s 2026 budget poses short-term fixes, sneaks in new “tax hike”
Pritzker’s 2026 budget poses short-term fixes, sneaks in new “tax hike”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2026 budget includes record spending, cuts to economic development and overreliance on short-term revenue tricks—including a cleverly hidden tax hike, leaving significant work for the state to reach financial stability.
Illinois considers repealing business tax responsible for big headaches, little revenue
Illinois considers repealing business tax responsible for big headaches, little revenue
A new bill would repeal an outdated Illinois business tax. The franchise tax is tough to calculate, most businesses don’t owe it and it generates little revenue in a state that already hits businesses hard with other taxes.
Pritzker’s magic beans
Pritzker’s magic beans
Chicago mayor wants to borrow $830M, which could benefit his Chicago Teachers Union cronies
Chicago mayor wants to borrow $830M, which could benefit his Chicago Teachers Union cronies
Mayor Brandon Johnson asked to borrow $830 million one day after the city’s credit rating dipping to near-junk status. He would have broad discretion over how to spend the money – including on his friends at the Chicago Teachers Union.
Pritzker’s miracle
Pritzker’s miracle
International migrants boost Illinois, New York, California populations, but don’t expect them to stay
International migrants boost Illinois, New York, California populations, but don’t expect them to stay
Illinois and other states with sanctuary cities saw large influxes of international migrants in recent years. But historical data shows the new arrivals may soon move out for the same reasons other residents have.
Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation
Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation
Illinoisans pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation at more than $0.84 per gallon. Only California charges its drivers more.
Pritzker’s magic beans: Growing a record-setting $55B Illinois budget
Pritzker’s magic beans: Growing a record-setting $55B Illinois budget
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker invoked a fairy tale about magic beans and a giant during his annual state of the state and budget address. Too bad he forgot to take an ax to the giant, record-setting budget he has grown by $16.7 billion since taking office.
Food assistance need grows 12% in Illinois since 2019
Food assistance need grows 12% in Illinois since 2019
Nearly 2 million Illinoisans, with around half in Cook County, relied on federal food assistance in October 2024, marking a 12% increase in five years.
Rockford declared hottest housing market in U.S., but low supply is real story
Rockford declared hottest housing market in U.S., but low supply is real story
Rockford recently made headlines as the nation’s hottest housing market, but the real story is low supply is driving up prices. Changing zoning laws could spur development that would ease the shortage and prices.