Flashback: What Illinois lawmaker’s progressive tax plan looked like 5 years ago

By Bryce Hill

01/19/2023

Here's what the progressive tax looked like nearly five years ago when state lawmakers were pushing a plan to tax Illinoisans $3.6 billion more, starting with those making $17,300.

TAGS: fair tax, progressive income tax, taxes

Pension reform key to protecting Illinois services, taxpayers after ‘fair tax’ rejection

By Adam Schuster

11/12/2020

Asking Illinoisans to pay more in taxes to receive less in services has been the trend in state government for the past decade, driven by the ever-growing cost of Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation pension crisis.

TAGS: fair tax, JB Pritzker, pensions

Pritzker, other top Democrats want Madigan out as party leader

11/06/2020

On the heels of losing his signature “fair tax,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants House Speaker Mike Madigan out as the state Democratic leader. Both U.S. senators also make that call.

TAGS: corruption, fair tax, House Speaker, Illinois House of Representatives, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan

‘Fair tax’ backers concede, blaming ‘deceived’ voters for loss

By Brad Weisenstein

11/04/2020

Two-thirds of voters polled favored a “fair tax” in March. On Election Day that flipped to 55% opposing it. Voters understood how the amendment could usher in retirement and other taxes, but tax proponents found it easier to claim deceit.

TAGS: election, fair tax, JB Pritzker

Progressive income tax amendment heading for defeat

11/04/2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s push for his “fair tax” is headed for rejection by Illinois voters. State lawmakers now must face the public pension debt driving the state’s fiscal crisis.

TAGS: fair tax, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, Vote Yes for Fairness

Pritzker’s final ‘fair tax’ plea to voters

By illinoispolicy

10/31/2020

Illinois politicians do not have a great track record when it comes to keeping promises to taxpayers.

TAGS: fair tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, retirement tax

Illinois retirees would pay $2,482 in state income taxes if “fair tax” targets them

By Bryce Hill

10/30/2020

Members of Pritzker’s administration, advisors and lawmakers have suggested a progressive income tax should tax retirement income in Illinois.

TAGS: fair tax, JB Pritzker, retirement tax

‘Fair tax’ is no fix for out-of-control Cook County property taxes

10/28/2020

Cook County property taxes have grown at triple the rate of the cost of living. The “fair tax” backers promise it will bring property tax relief, but the evidence refutes their claim.

TAGS: Cook County, fair tax, JB Pritzker, property taxes

How much would Pritzker’s ‘fair tax’ affect your home value?

10/26/2020

The progressive income tax amendment would carry a hidden cost of $1,800 a year in lost home value for 3.2 million homeowners if Illinois sees the same impact as Connecticut.

TAGS: fair tax, home values, income tax, JB Pritzker, property tax

Typical Illinois family will likely see $244 increase in state, local tax burden with ‘fair tax’

By Bryce Hill

10/26/2020

Increased property and sales taxes will likely offset all savings from progressive income tax scheme.

TAGS: fair tax, JB Pritzker, tax burden

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students