Chicago’s traffic cameras to ticket drivers going 6 mph over speed limit

By Ben Szalinski

10/29/2020

The proposal comes a year after mayor pledged to provide relief to residents from regressive fees. She said the move is about safety, but Chicago is seeking cash.

TAGS: Chicago, speed cameras, ticketing

Lightfoot budget includes automatic property tax hikes, gas tax hike

By Adam Schuster

10/22/2020

A typical Chicago homeowner faces up to $255 in potential property tax increases to cover city and school deficits. City income taxes could be next, if the ‘fair tax’ were to pass.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, property taxes

Audit: Chicago saves $1 million after Ald. Burke quits finance committee

By Ben Szalinski

09/02/2020

Chicago’s longest-serving alderman used his power as chair of the City Council Finance Committee to pad staffs, give himself a security detail.

TAGS: Chicago, corruption, Ed Burke

Pritzker signs tax law deeming some of Chicago’s most valuable property ‘blighted’

By Ben Szalinski

07/06/2020

Chicago leaders have been unable to finish developing valuable land after 23 years and $331 million in taxes, but convinced state leaders more time and money were needed.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes, TIF: Tax Increment Financing

Pritzker signs bill lowering taxes on a Chicago casino

By Ben Szalinski

07/03/2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers agree that when taxes are too high, not even a casino in the heart of Chicago can make money.

TAGS: casino, Chicago, gaming

Nonunion Chicago educators sue CTU, AFT to end forced union dues

By Vincent Caruso

05/07/2020

While members can opt out of CTU at any time, the union says they may only stop paying the union if they do so during a one-month period. A lawsuit filed against the union argues this violates teachers’ First Amendment rights.

TAGS: AFT: American Federation of Teachers, Chicago, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, government unions, Janus v. AFSCME

Chicago needs a ‘wartime budget’ to face the COVID-19 crisis

By Adam Schuster, Ben Szalinski

04/28/2020

City leaders must prioritize critical spending – and avoid hiking taxes on a struggling economy.

TAGS: Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19, credit rating, emergency, Lori Lightfoot, pensions

Gas taxes nearly equal to cost of gas in Illinois

By Brad Weisenstein

04/23/2020

Illinois’ taxes and fees on gasoline keep the pump price high, even when oil producers are paying for someone to take excess crude. The state gas tax is set to rise again in July.

TAGS: Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19, gas tax, JB Pritzker

Silence: Chicago in the age of COVID

By illinoispolicy

04/03/2020

Our team wanted to give you a look at the harsh reality of life in downtown Chicago during the COVID-19 crisis.

TAGS: Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19

Proposal would cut pay for Chicago politicians to fund coronavirus response

By Austin Berg

03/24/2020

One Chicago alderman is calling for the city’s 53 elected officials to forfeit their six-figure salaries for 15 days.

TAGS: Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19, lawmaker pay, Ray Lopez