Pritzker’s AFSCME deal favors wealthy workers over middle class

By Mailee Smith

06/19/2019

AFSCME Council 31 recently told its members to push the Illinois General Assembly for tax rates that are “fair” for the middle class. But AFSCME’s new contract should cause its middle-class members to question whether the union holds itself to the same standard.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, contract, JB Pritzker, labor, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, state worker pay, unions

Illinoisans face suspended license for texting while driving under new state law

By Ben Szalinski

06/18/2019

This summer, drivers in Illinois will face stiffer penalties for texting behind the wheel.

TAGS: distracted driving, JB Pritzker

21 tax and fee hikes totaling $4.7 billion coming soon for Illinoisans

By Adam Schuster

06/14/2019

The Illinois General Assembly and governor devised 21 different ways to take more money from taxpayers to finance spending on government operations and infrastructure.

TAGS: alcohol tax, fair tax, gas tax, graduated income tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, marijuana, progressive income tax, streaming tax, taxes

Despite tax hikes, Illinois fails to balance budget for 19th year in a row

By Austin Berg

06/13/2019

Band-Aid fixes and spending-heavy compromises were rampant. And now it’s all coming home to roost.

TAGS: balanced budget requirement, budget, fair tax, graduated income tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, taxes

Illinois gas tax will double in July, then likely rise nearly a penny a year

By Joe Barnas

06/13/2019

The state gas tax is projected to automatically increase 130% by 2025, without lawmaker approval. That’s almost 25 cents more on a gallon of gas.

TAGS: gas tax, JB Pritzker, taxes

Pritzker signs Illinois budget out of balance by up to $1.3 billion

By Adam Schuster

06/11/2019

Contrary to claims from both Republicans and Democrats, and despite raising nearly $1.1 billion in new taxes and fees for operations, the fiscal year 2020 budget is out of balance by between $574 million and $1.3 billion.

TAGS: balanced budget requirement, budget, deficit, fair tax, graduated income tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, taxes

Gas tax and vehicle fee hikes erase Pritzker’s promise of progressive income tax relief

By Vincent Caruso

06/07/2019

The numerous tax and fee hikes in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s capital spending more than offset the promised savings of the governor’s “fair tax” plan.

TAGS: fair tax, gas tax, graduated income tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, taxes, vehicle registration

Summer brings pay hike for Illinois state lawmakers, pay cut for you

By Austin Berg

06/06/2019

Springfield politicians talking out of both sides of their mouths on tax “fairness” is one of many reasons they didn’t deserve a raise.

TAGS: budget, fair tax, graduated income tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, lawmaker pay, taxes

Illinois’ cigarette tax to become one of nation’s highest

By Ben Szalinski

06/06/2019

A $1 cigarette tax hike included in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s infrastructure plan will make Illinois’ tax on cigarette packs among the highest in the nation.

TAGS: cigarette tax, JB Pritzker, taxes

Pritzker approves $1,600 pay raises for state lawmakers

By Vincent Caruso

06/05/2019

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a budget that includes pay raises for state lawmakers, as Illinoisans brace for a number of new tax hikes.

TAGS: budget, gas tax, JB Pritzker, lawmaker pay, taxes