Pritzker to decide COLA increase for Chicago firefighter pensions, with $850M price tag

By Adam Schuster

01/15/2021

Over the objections of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who called the legislation “irresponsible,” state lawmakers passed a bill to increase the cost-of-living adjustment for 2,200 Chicago firefighter pensions to 3% from 1.5%. Gov. J.B. Pritzker should veto it.

TAGS: Chicago, debt, firefighter pensions, JB Pritzker

Illinois’ sales taxes make holiday shopping painful reminder of fiscal woes

By Ann Miller

12/18/2020

Sales taxes can exceed 10% in Illinois depending on where consumers do their holiday shopping. The average has been creeping up in recent years.

TAGS: Chicago, Christmas, sales tax

Chicago drivers to see third gas tax increase in 18 months

By Ben Szalinski

12/15/2020

Chicago leaders are using another gas tax hike to help fill a budget hole driven by pensions. Total gas taxes and fees are closing in on $1 per gallon.

TAGS: Chicago, gas tax, Lori Lightfoot

Gas tax, property tax, ticket and fee hikes all part of Lightfoot budget

By Ben Szalinski

12/04/2020

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is trying to raise revenue to close large revenue gaps partially brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, gas tax, Lori Lightfoot, property tax, property taxes

Chicago taxpayers on the hook for extra $2 billion under Lightfoot plan

By Ben Szalinski

11/21/2020

Lightfoot’s budget depends on borrowing and property tax hikes.

TAGS: borrowing, Chicago, debt, Lori Lightfoot, property taxes

DuPage County, Chicago drivers facing new gas tax hikes

By Ben Szalinski

11/21/2020

The same law that doubled Illinois’ gas tax is now being used by DuPage County and Chicago to fill revenue shortfalls from COVID-19.

TAGS: Chicago, DuPage County, gas tax

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