Illinois spent 6% more than it took in for 15 years, so COVID-19 hit it harder

By Justin Carlson

01/12/2022

From 2005-2019, Illinois revenues totaled just 94% of expenses. The state ran deficits in each of the 15 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only New Jersey overspent more.

TAGS: COVID-19, debt, deficit, government spending

Illinois drivers pay $1,119 extra a year thanks to bad roads, bridges

By Patrick Andriesen

11/24/2021

Illinois ranked 14th worst in the nation for road infrastructure with 20% of state roadways non-acceptable and 12% of bridges in poor condition by federal standards. It was near last in spending on repairs.

TAGS: government spending, Illinois, roads

Madison County ending taxpayer support of history museum

By Brad Weisenstein

09/27/2021

During the past decade, one of the few taxpayer-supported local history museums in Illinois collected over $2 million. That is ending, but not before another $300,000 in taxes is handed to the museum.

TAGS: government spending, Madison County Historical Society, museum

Citizenship 101: How to be a more involved Illinoisan

By Brad Weisenstein

08/01/2021

What you need to know to better get answers about what local and state government leaders are doing in Illinois.

TAGS: budget, corruption, FOIA: Freedom of Information Act, government services, government spending, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, income tax, Open Meetings Act, property taxes, taxes

Chicago almost hits bottom rank of 150 cities for high cost, poor services

By Luke Schafer

07/30/2021

Out of 150 cities, Chicago came in almost at the bottom when the quality of city services and the total budget per capita were ranked, confirming what most Chicagoans already knew.

TAGS: Chicago, government spending, taxes

Chicago considers $500 monthly guaranteed income for 5,000 low-income residents

04/22/2021

Under a new proposal, the city of Chicago would issue debit cards to 5,000 low-income residents that provide $500 each month for a year using some of its COVID-19 relief money.

TAGS: Chicago, debt, government spending, UBI: Universal Basic Income

Bill fights Illinois corruption with online access to government spending, records

By Justin Carlson

04/19/2021

Putting the public’s business on public display can help Illinois reform its culture of corruption and control government waste. An Illinois House bill will put more local government records online.

TAGS: corruption, government spending, Illinois, local government, transparency

5 reasons why Illinois’ latest spending plan insults taxpayers

By Adam Schuster

05/29/2020

Lawmakers made no serious attempt to balance the new budget, instead counting on a federal bailout. They accepted an $1,800 raise for themselves, while only making significant cuts to education.

TAGS: budget, government spending, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, special session

Bill proposes to tie Illinois state spending to what taxpayers can afford

03/06/2020

Lawmakers routinely spend faster than taxpayers’ incomes grow. A new bill would put Illinois with the majority of states that limit taxes or spending.

TAGS: borrowing, budget, constitutional amendment, deficit, government spending, pensions, spending cap, tax increase

Local government spending could soon be easier for Illinois taxpayers to track

02/24/2020

A bill to make more public records readily available would better show taxpayers how local governments spend money.

TAGS: Anna Moeller, government spending, House Rules Committee, Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal, Open Meetings Act, public records, Steve Stadelman, transparency

Unions flood politicians with cash: How it buys clout in Illinois General Assembly

Government unions in Illinois have tremendous power. Most are allowed to go on strike and can bargain over virtually anything.1 It creates an uneven playing field, with unions able to demand costly provisions in their contracts and threaten to strike – denying Illinoisans needed services – to get what they want.2 Until recently, the potential...

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Unions flood politicians with cash: How it buys clout in Illinois General Assembly

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Toni Larocco

Policy lessons from Illinois’ exodus of people and money

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