Without reform, Illinois’ pension problem will continue to force tax hikes while crowding out the core services residents need.

By reducing administrative bloat in Illinois school districts, the bill would enable property tax relief while ensuring education dollars reach students and classrooms first, rather than bureaucrats.

Neither taxpayers nor lawmakers should believe Pritzker when he makes claims of tax cuts – specifically that 97 percent of Illinoisans would see one – as part of his effort to scrap Illinois’ constitutionally protected flat income tax.

Facing down a $3 billion deficit, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker offered an unbalanced budget including more tax hikes, borrowing and spending. He claimed severe cuts were the only alternative, but another option exists.

A bill in the Illinois House would empower voters to reform the funding priorities of their local school districts.

For the second year in a row, a WalletHub study found Illinois’ high property tax burden is second only to New Jersey.

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.