Land of 1,000 shrinking communities
Land of 1,000 shrinking communities
Illinois’ lost people problem spreads to more than 1,000 communities in 2018
Pritzker’s proposed tax and fee hikes on average Illinoisans total more than those on ‘the rich’
Pritzker’s proposed tax and fee hikes on average Illinoisans total more than those on ‘the rich’
The upward march of Illinois’ core cost drivers – pensions and government worker health insurance – cannot be paid for by tax hikes on small groups. Without reform, tax hike proposals on all Illinoisans will continue flowing from the Statehouse.
Moody’s report: Illinois one of two states unprepared for next recession
Moody’s report: Illinois one of two states unprepared for next recession
Financial stress testing shows Illinois and New Jersey are the most unprepared for the next recession. Both states lack sufficient rainy day funds and struggle with large pension debt.
Without pension reform, progressive income tax amendment guarantees tax hikes on Illinois’ middle class
Without pension reform, progressive income tax amendment guarantees tax hikes on Illinois’ middle class
The current progressive income tax proposal would fail to pay down the state's unfunded liability while damaging Illinois' economy.
House committee approves Pritzker progressive tax amendment
House committee approves Pritzker progressive tax amendment
The Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would scrap taxpayers’ sole protection against endless income tax hikes.
The Windy City blows away your holiday travel dollars
The Windy City blows away your holiday travel dollars
Illinois stands above its peers when it comes to taxing residents. But Chicago makes it really something to behold when visitors see that famous skyline with all its tall taxes.
Game of Thrones: Spoiler
Game of Thrones: Spoiler
Chicago’s new mayor inherits taxpayers facing biggest public debts of nation’s top 10 cities
Chicago’s new mayor inherits taxpayers facing biggest public debts of nation’s top 10 cities
Each Chicago taxpayer is on the hook for $119,110 worth of unfunded state, city, county and other local government debt. Many of the pensions driving those debts become Lori Lightfoot’s problem on Monday.
Bipartisan township consolidation bill heads to Pritzker’s desk
Bipartisan township consolidation bill heads to Pritzker’s desk
Former Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for McHenry County residents to consolidate their townships. Renewed bipartisan support has sent it back to the governor’s desk, now occupied by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Pritzker capital plan would double Illinois gas tax, hike vehicle registration fees, create new taxes on Uber and Netflix
Pritzker capital plan would double Illinois gas tax, hike vehicle registration fees, create new taxes on Uber and Netflix
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office is using a major capital bill as a vehicle to grease lawmakers for a progressive income tax amendment. But the tax hikes to pay for it would make Illinoisans’ gas tax burden the second highest in the nation.
Illinois’ wealthiest bureaucrats want this bill dead
Illinois’ wealthiest bureaucrats want this bill dead
There should be no compromise with those who are looking out for their own bottom line above the good of the state.
Illinois tax squeeze
Illinois tax squeeze
Illinois can spend another $10B on infrastructure without tax hikes
Illinois can spend another $10B on infrastructure without tax hikes
Illinois can do it the old way and raise taxes to deliver pork projects. Or Illinois can be smart and make each tax dollar work hard to deliver projects that help residents and the economy.
More than 130 six-figure school district administrators oppose education efficiency bill
More than 130 six-figure school district administrators oppose education efficiency bill
An Illinois House bill that would allow more education funding dollars reach the classroom before getting trapped in administration has earned support from both parties – and the opposition of administrators.