Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Illinois

By Brad Weisenstein, Ben Szalinski

07/10/2020

This page will be updated daily to reflect developments related to the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois, JB Pritzker, Lori Lightfoot

Pritzker ‘fair tax’ would allow for double, triple taxation on same $1 earned

By Adam Schuster

07/08/2020

The progressive tax amendment on the ballot Nov. 3 removes the constitutional prohibition on multiple taxation, in addition to removing the flat tax protection.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, progressive income tax

Pritzker spends $51.5M to push tax that would hit 100,000 small businesses

By Ben Szalinski

07/06/2020

Pritzker has been pushing hard for a progressive income tax amendment as a way to generate $3.7 billion for state spending.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, small business

What powers does Pritzker have in an emergency? And what has he ordered so far?

By Joe Tabor

07/06/2020

In the case of an epidemic like COVID-19, Illinois governors are given a wide range of emergency powers for a limited period of time.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, emergency, executive order, JB Pritzker

Illinois passed a record-breaking income tax hike 3 years ago. Here’s where the money went.

By Adam Schuster

07/05/2020

Income taxes rose 32% for individuals and 33% for corporations in 2017, raising Illinois’ total tax burden to at least sixth highest from 10th highest. More than $1.2 billion went to pensions and debt.

TAGS: fair tax, income tax, JB Pritzker

Judge strikes down Pritzker’s COVID-19 orders, extended emergency powers

By Joe Tabor

07/03/2020

Clay County Judge Michael McHaney said Pritzker’s emergency powers stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak lapsed on April 8, and any executive orders relating to COVID-19 finding their authority under those emergency powers are void.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, executive order, JB Pritzker

Pritzker fact check: Do most other states really have a ‘fair tax’?

By Adam Schuster

07/01/2020

In more than half of progressive tax states, the middle class pays the maximum state income tax rate.

TAGS: fair tax, JB Pritzker

Illinois state workers receive $1,300 pay raises July 1

By Mailee Smith

06/29/2020

State workers represented by AFSCME Council 31 will see pay increases averaging $1,343 starting July 1. Total cost of the raises is $261 million as COVID-19 continues depleting state revenues.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, coronavirus, COVID-19, JB Pritzker

Illinois first to rely on ‘lender of last resort’ borrowing from Federal Reserve

By Adam Schuster

06/19/2020

Illinois' credit rating is just one notch above junk, the lowest of any U.S. state.

TAGS: borrowing, credit, Federal Reserve, JB Pritzker, Municipal Lending Facility

Investigation shows Madigan had heavy hand in filling state jobs for Pritzker

By Austin Berg

06/19/2020

Illinois public servants expect special privileges. And Gov. J.B. Pritzker is happy to oblige.

TAGS: corruption, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan