How to make an extra $3 billion, the Illinois way

By Austin Berg

10/25/2018

AFSCME – the largest government worker union in the state – may pull off one of the most insulting waiting games in state history. The payoff? More than $3 billion, courtesy of Illinois taxpayers.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, Bruce Rauner, collective bargaining, income tax, state worker pay, taxes

Township consolidation referendum to appear on Alton ballots

By Vincent Caruso

10/24/2018

Alton voters will face two referendums that could eliminate government layers at both the township and county levels.

TAGS: ballot referendums, budget, consolidation, taxes, townships

Godfrey voters to choose whether to dissolve township on their November ballots

By Vincent Caruso

10/24/2018

A referendum asking voters whether to dissolve Godfrey Township will appear on ballots Nov. 6.

TAGS: ballot referendums, budget, consolidation, taxes, townships

Moline proposes hiking city’s already-high property taxes

10/23/2018

City officials suggest Moline will face a budget deficit without a property tax hike – which would only worsen the property tax plight of area homeowners.

TAGS: Moline, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, property taxes, taxes

Lake County ballot question lets voters sound off on statewide property tax proposal

By Vincent Caruso

10/23/2018

An idea to fix Illinois’ fiscal woes with a statewide property tax made headlines in May. Voters in Lake County will be asked whether state lawmakers should have the power to impose such a tax.

TAGS: Lake County, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, property taxes, taxes

DuPage County voters to weigh in on per-mile driving tax

10/23/2018

Voters in DuPage County Nov. 6 will give their opinions on a vehicle miles tax, a policy gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton have entertained.

TAGS: DuPage County, taxes, VMT: vehicle miles traveled

DuPage County voters face ballot question on statewide property tax hike

By Vincent Caruso

10/23/2018

Three economists made headlines in May by suggesting Illinois levy a new, statewide property tax. DuPage County voters Nov. 6 can declare their stance on whether that tax should be an option.

TAGS: ballot referendums, DuPage County, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, property taxes, taxes

Report: Illinois’ budget health is the worst in the nation

By Adam Schuster

10/17/2018

A new university study ranks Illinois last of all 50 states for fiscal health. Pension reform and spending caps are essential for recovery.

TAGS: balanced budget requirement, budget, income tax, pensions, taxes

Pension costs ravaging Rockford’s budget as leaders consider police and fire cuts

By Vincent Caruso

10/15/2018

Rising pension costs in Illinois’ fifth-largest city are pushing Rockford near the edge of a fiscal cliff – a fate that officials are looking to reverse with a series of steep public service cuts.

TAGS: budget, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, property taxes, Rockford, taxes

Schaumburg village manager rakes in 318% more than area’s median households

10/12/2018

The highest-earning government employee in at least five municipalities far outpaces what typical local taxpayers in those areas bring in.

TAGS: budget, property taxes, Schaumburg, taxes, waste

taxes

How to make an extra $3 billion, the Illinois way

Township consolidation referendum to appear on Alton ballots

Godfrey voters to choose whether to dissolve township on their November ballots

Moline proposes hiking city’s already-high property taxes

Lake County ballot question lets voters sound off on statewide property tax proposal

DuPage County voters to weigh in on per-mile driving tax

DuPage County voters face ballot question on statewide property tax hike

Report: Illinois’ budget health is the worst in the nation

Pension costs ravaging Rockford’s budget as leaders consider police and fire cuts

Schaumburg village manager rakes in 318% more than area’s median households

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students