Pritzker signs tax law deeming some of Chicago’s most valuable property ‘blighted’

By Ben Szalinski

07/06/2020

Chicago leaders have been unable to finish developing valuable land after 23 years and $331 million in taxes, but convinced state leaders more time and money were needed.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes, TIF: Tax Increment Financing

COVID-19 recession could double Illinois’ delinquent mortgage rate in 2020

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

06/16/2020

Up to 130,000 Illinois homeowners could fall behind on their mortgage payments if state lawmakers fail to provide relief.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, delinquency, mortgage, property taxes

Pritzker’s toilet removal contractor gets nearly $9M in COVID-19 work

By Ben Szalinski

05/28/2020

The contractor who removed toilets from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mansion in a $331,000 property tax scandal received a nearly $9 million COVID-19 contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The contractor hadn’t worked with the Corps in 76 years.

TAGS: federal investigation, JB Pritzker, property taxes, tax fraud

Illinois lawmakers introduce bills to delay property tax payments

By Ben Szalinski

05/16/2020

Illinoisans who have struggled without paychecks because of the COVID-19 shutdown could get a delay on their property taxes. The hope is they are working again before they must pay the bill.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, property taxes

More Illinois counties offer property tax delays to ease COVID-19 losses

By Ben Szalinski

04/29/2020

Property tax delays give breathing room to homeowners, many of whom have gone more than a month without a paycheck because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, property taxes

Illinois counties consider delaying property tax payments

By Ben Szalinski

04/09/2020

Delaying property tax payments would give much-needed relief for those struggling without a paycheck during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, property taxes

To fight COVID-19 economic harm, Illinois must delay or cancel taxes and fees where possible

By Adam Schuster

04/02/2020

Struggling businesses, individuals and families need relief while the economy is shut down. Despite Illinois’ financial woes, leaders can help the recovery by lifting government-imposed financial burdens.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, emergency, executive order, fees, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, property taxes

Former Hinsdale superintendent collecting $315k pension

By Ben Szalinski

03/06/2020

The former leader of a wealthy school district is receiving a massive pension boosted by a pair of 20% raises given during her final two years. Illinois needs pension reform.

TAGS: Clarendon Hills, Community Consolidated School District 181, Hinsdale, IEA-NEA: Illinois Education Association, Mary Curley, pension spiking, pensions, property taxes, TRS: Teachers’ Retirement System

Property taxes turning American dreams into Illinois nightmares

By Austin Berg

03/05/2020

Visions of the community’s future no longer bring comfort. Instead, they inspire crippling fear.

TAGS: corruption, home values, homeownership, local government consolidation, Matteson, pensions, property taxes, school district consolidation

Illinois property taxes rank No. 2 in the nation for third year running

By Brad Weisenstein

03/02/2020

Property taxes in Illinois are nearly double the national average. Until state lawmakers trim down thousands of local governments and pursue pension reform, those bills wills remain high.

TAGS: fair tax, home values, income tax, JB Pritzker, local government consolidation, pensions, property taxes, school district efficiency