Mayor Johnson’s record-setting $1 billion TIF surplus highlights issues
Mayor Johnson’s record-setting $1 billion TIF surplus highlights issues
Chicago Tax Increment Finance “surpluses” have increased more than ninefold in the past decade.
What you need to know about Illinois’ candy tax
What you need to know about Illinois’ candy tax
Illinois’ candy tax doesn’t apply to any treats made with flour. Kit Kat, Twix and Snickers are all taxed as groceries, not candy, and come with a cheaper price tag.
Budget cap could have saved Chicago $600M
Budget cap could have saved Chicago $600M
Chicago’s budget has grown much faster than inflation, leaving taxpayers to endure higher costs without receiving better services. Implementing a spending cap linked to inflation could have kept costs under control, helping prevent future deficits
West Frankfort teachers union files strike notice
West Frankfort teachers union files strike notice
West Frankfort’s local union and school board have been at the negotiation table for more than five months. If an agreement is not reached, teachers in West Frankfort could strike as soon as Oct. 26.
Pensions make homeownership unaffordable in Illinois
Pensions make homeownership unaffordable in Illinois
The dream of homeownership is pushed out of reach by low housing supply and soaring property taxes driven by pension costs.
Pensions take up money that should go to Illinois classrooms
Pensions take up money that should go to Illinois classrooms
Pension costs take a growing share of school funding, driving up property taxes and leaving less for teachers and students.
Every Illinois metro has fewer homes for sale than in 2018
Every Illinois metro has fewer homes for sale than in 2018
Illinois home prices have jumped 48% since 2018 while available housing inventory has plummeted across all 26 tracked metro areas, creating a housing crisis driven largely by restrictive zoning laws and the nation’s highest property taxes.
Using Microsoft, Salesforce, ChatGPT will cost more under Johnson’s Cloud Tax
Using Microsoft, Salesforce, ChatGPT will cost more under Johnson’s Cloud Tax
Microsoft, Salesforce, ChatGPT, Amazon Web Services and Zoom would all come with higher prices under Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s cloud tax.
Just 18% of Chicago Teachers Union spending is on representing teachers
Just 18% of Chicago Teachers Union spending is on representing teachers
The Chicago Teachers Union’ own federal reporting shows its members are not priority No.1.
Johnson’s “Protecting Chicago” budget proposes nearly $500M in tax hikes
Johnson’s “Protecting Chicago” budget proposes nearly $500M in tax hikes
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson describes the 2026 budget as “Protecting Chicago,” but his plan seems to do the opposite. Taxes on Artificial Intelligence, Uber rides and companies with 100+ employees are the biggest revenue sources.
Pritzker absolutely opposed to Johnson’s Chicago corporate “head tax”
Pritzker absolutely opposed to Johnson’s Chicago corporate “head tax”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker told the Chicago Economic Club Oct. 21 that he absolutely opposes Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to revive the corporate “head tax” as part of his new budget proposal.
Chicago Teachers Union’s radical agenda is coming to a school district near you
Chicago Teachers Union’s radical agenda is coming to a school district near you
The scandal-plagued president of the Chicago Teachers Union will now also be leading the Illinois Federation of Teachers, which has affiliates in at least 200 districts across the state.
Budget black hole: Pensions and debt devour Chicago budget
Budget black hole: Pensions and debt devour Chicago budget
Pensions and debt dominate Chicago’s spending increases, crowding out core services. Without reform, rising obligations will drag the city into deeper financial trouble.
Harvey declaring financial distress under $164M debt
Harvey declaring financial distress under $164M debt
Harvey is seeking state aid under Illinois’ Financially Distressed City Law, but without pension reform, state oversight offers little hope to fix its $164M crisis.