Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates spend nearly $2.5M to put Johnson in mayoral run-off

By Mailee Smith

03/06/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union’s funding of the Brandon Johnson campaign for Chicago mayor has fueled backlash from members. As one of its own employees, Johnson has banked more than $390,000 as CTU’s “legislative coordinator” in the past 5 years.

TAGS: Chicago, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, taxes

Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates spend nearly $2.5M to put Johnson in mayoral run-off

By Mailee Smith

03/01/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union’s funding of the Brandon Johnson campaign for Chicago mayor has fueled backlash from members. As one of its own employees, Johnson has banked more than $390,000 as CTU’s “legislative coordinator” in the past 5 years.

TAGS: Chicago, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, taxes

Flashback: What Illinois lawmaker’s progressive tax plan looked like 5 years ago

By Bryce Hill

01/19/2023

Here's what the progressive tax looked like nearly five years ago when state lawmakers were pushing a plan to tax Illinoisans $3.6 billion more, starting with those making $17,300.

TAGS: fair tax, progressive income tax, taxes

Illinoisans pay highest cellphone taxes in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

12/28/2022

Smartphone owners in Illinois pay the highest taxes in the nation

TAGS: cell phone tax, Illinois, taxes

Illinois ranks least tax-friendly state for middle-class families, 2nd-worst for retirees

By Patrick Andriesen

12/06/2022

Tax friendliness reports ranked Illinois as the most expensive for middle-class families and second most expensive for retirees. Analysts cited high property taxes, sales taxes and income taxes as cinching the bottom spots.

TAGS: Illinois, taxes

Lawmakers should let Illinoisans vote on tax hikes

By Joe Tabor

08/12/2022

Amendment 1 has many more negatives than voters will ever realize, but one of those is a $2,100 property tax hike. Illinoisans should vote on all taxing and spending hikes, not just those presented to them as vague constitutional amendments.

TAGS: Amendment 1, taxes

Misleading new ad claims Amendment 1 protects Illinois nurses

By Mailee Smith

08/10/2022

Despite proponents’ claims, Amendment 1 would give union rights only to state and local government workers. Yet a new ad by proponents implies it will help nurses in all sectors care for their patients.

TAGS: Amendment 1, constitutional amendment, property taxes, taxes, unions, workers rights

Illinois small business owners brace for higher taxes under Amendment 1

By Dylan Sharkey

08/09/2022

New business taxes added by the Pritzker administration plus Illinois’ high property taxes are making it hard for a Chicago-area bar owner to stay in business. Now a government union push for more property taxes is creating a new threat.

TAGS: Amendment 1, Illinois, small business, taxes

U.S. gas prices drop near $4 a gallon, but not in Illinois

By Dylan Sharkey

08/03/2022

Gas prices were on the decline for the 50th straight day, but Illinois’ gas taxes kept the average price above $4.50 a gallon.

TAGS: gas, gas prices, gas tax, JB Pritzker, motor fuel tax, taxes

Lightfoot’s play to keep Bears could cost up to $2,000 per family

By Dylan Sharkey, Bryce Hill

07/28/2022

The Chicago Bears are considering a move to Arlington Heights, but Mayor Lori Lightfoot is pitching a last-ditch effort to revamp Soldier Field. Depending on the option, the tax hit per household ranges from $833 to $2,036.

TAGS: Chicago, Chicago Bears, Lori Lightfoot, Soldier Field, taxes