Illinois state lawmakers introduce, pass $85 billion in spending in 12 hours

By Austin Berg

06/01/2019

A new governor and Democratic supermajorities have retained the same chaotic budgeting process that has brought the state’s credit rating to near-junk status.

TAGS: balanced budget requirement, budget, capital project, gas tax, Greg Harris, JB Pritzker, John Cullerton, Mike Madigan

House committee passes bill that would make Illinois gas tax burden highest in the nation

By Vincent Caruso

05/09/2019

The Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee approved a bill that would more than double the state gas tax. Illinois may soon have the nation’s highest gas tax burden.

TAGS: gas tax, Illinois House of Representatives, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, sales tax, taxes, transportation

To end gerrymandering, Pritzker should push redistricting reform

By Joe Tabor

04/23/2019

Illinois’ governor pledged to veto any map gerrymandered by state lawmakers, but it’s the process of mapmaking that needs to change.

TAGS: fair maps, independent maps, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, redistricting

Judge orders arrest of 2 former Madigan operatives

By Austin Berg

03/26/2019

Two former political workers for longtime Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan failed to attend depositions in a lawsuit alleging Madigan backed “sham candidates” in his 2016 primary election.

TAGS: Charlie Hernandez, Jason Gonzales, Kevin Quinn, Mike Madigan, Shaw Decremer

Pritzker, Madigan pledge progressive income tax hike by May

By Vincent Caruso

02/22/2019

Pritzker’s first budget address exalted the graduated income tax as a solution to the state’s fiscal problems. Despite evidence to the contrary, the governor is urging state lawmakers to speedily advance the measure.

TAGS: income tax, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, outmigration, pensions, progressive income tax, taxes

Statewide $15 minimum wage passes Illinois House, ready for Pritzker

By Vincent Caruso

02/14/2019

The Illinois House voted for a statewide $15 minimum wage – adding $1.1 billion to the state payroll, courtesy of Illinois taxpayers.

TAGS: employment, JB Pritzker, jobs, Mike Madigan, minimum wage, outmigration, unemployment

Blank check: Illinois lawmakers file progressive income tax amendment

By Adam Schuster

02/08/2019

An amendment to scrap Illinois’ constitutional flat tax protection is gaining sponsors in the Illinois Senate. Lawmakers have refused to discuss rates since those details killed the last progressive tax attempt.

TAGS: Don Harmon, graduated income tax, income, income tax, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, progressive income tax, property taxes, taxes

Moody’s: New taxes could accelerate Illinois exodus

By Vincent Caruso

02/08/2019

Ahead of Gov. Pritzker’s first budget address, one of the “big three” credit rating services warned the new governor against raising taxes.

TAGS: bonds, credit rating, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, Moody's Investor Service

Make no mistake, a progressive tax is a tax hike on you

By Austin Berg

02/07/2019

Political promises aren’t much protection for middle class pocketbooks.

TAGS: Don Harmon, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, progressive income tax, SALT, taxes

Madigan aides sought out, assisted alleged ‘sham’ candidates in primary election

By Austin Berg

02/01/2019

Madigan’s 2016 primary opponent filed a lawsuit alleging the House speaker recruited “sham” candidates in order to dilute opposition.

TAGS: Jason Gonzales, Madigan & Getzendanner, Mike Madigan