Madigan files resolution supporting progressive tax
Madigan files resolution supporting progressive tax
State lawmakers are facing a choice: side with House Speaker Mike Madigan or with tapped-out taxpayers.
Senate bill would give voters authority to cut property taxes by referendum
Senate bill would give voters authority to cut property taxes by referendum
Since 1991, some Illinois counties have traded voters’ ability to influence reductions in property taxes for a statutory limit on their growth. A recent Senate bill, however, would restore voters’ ability to reduce property tax levies through referendums.
Lawmakers stand for spending cap in Springfield
Lawmakers stand for spending cap in Springfield
A constitutional amendment to impose fiscal discipline on state lawmakers is gaining bipartisan support.
Bill to expunge marijuana convictions passes House committee
Bill to expunge marijuana convictions passes House committee
House Bill 2367 would allow those convicted of marijuana possession before Illinois decriminalized marijuana to petition for expungement of their guilty plea or criminal conviction.
The bipartisan bullies of township government
The bipartisan bullies of township government
Townships are the cockroaches of governance. They won’t die.
Committee passes Senate bill taking aim at ‘golden parachute’ severance payouts
Committee passes Senate bill taking aim at ‘golden parachute’ severance payouts
The Government Severance Pay Act would restrict outgoing officials from exiting office with excessive severance pay.
Lawmakers seek to dismantle school-choice scholarship program for low-income students
Lawmakers seek to dismantle school-choice scholarship program for low-income students
A bill in the Illinois Senate could axe the state’s first-ever tax credit scholarship program.
Bill would allow government bonuses for union members, but ban them for other state workers
Bill would allow government bonuses for union members, but ban them for other state workers
Government worker unions and their allies are preparing for a potential loss in Janus v. AFSCME, doing whatever they can to bolster union ranks. One example: House Bill 5309, which would privilege union status over the interests of other state government workers.
Controversial hiring in McHenry County townships boost calls for consolidation
Controversial hiring in McHenry County townships boost calls for consolidation
The appearance of patronage hires in some McHenry County townships highlights consolidation efforts at the state and local level.
Report: Kendall County property tax rates more than double the national average
Report: Kendall County property tax rates more than double the national average
The average property tax bill for a Kendall County homeowner in 2017 totaled nearly $6,500.
Madigan re-elected chairman of Illinois Democratic Party
Madigan re-elected chairman of Illinois Democratic Party
The longtime House speaker is the only state legislative leader in the nation to also serve as a party chairman.
Report: Metro East property tax rates nearly double national average
Report: Metro East property tax rates nearly double national average
Both Madison and St. Clair County taxpayers paid a higher effective tax rate than the national average in 2017, a year which also saw continued outmigration from the region.
Former Vernon Hills village manager to receive $161K severance package
Former Vernon Hills village manager to receive $161K severance package
While details surrounding the ex-official’s separation with the village remain undisclosed to the public, trustees’ approval of his $161,000 severance package went unobstructed.
Round Lake Park’s police pension crisis could result in state intervention
Round Lake Park’s police pension crisis could result in state intervention
Under Illinois law, towns that miss required pension contributions risk state intervention. In 2016, Round Lake Park paid less than 40 percent of its required pension contribution.