The Civic Federation’s criticism of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget is a mixed bag, with its own proposals for Illinois’ financial crisis – including nearly $3 billion in tax hikes – missing the mark.

A proposal to levy a statewide 1 percent residential property tax would vault Illinoisans’ property tax burden to the highest of all 50 states.

As local leaders reach an agreement with the city’s public safety unions, the retirement security of Carbondale’s police and fire workers slides further out of reach.

The Decatur City Council moved to stop paying $20,000 to sponsor a golf tournament with the village of Forsyth, a sensible move for a shrinking city operating on a budget deficit.

In a matter of hours, Illinoisans saw bipartisan opposition to property tax relief and bipartisan support for higher property taxes.

Homeowners’ 2017 property tax bills (payable in 2018) outpace the state and national average, when measured as a share of home value.

Homeowners’ 2017 property tax bills (payable in 2018) outpace the state and national average, when measured as a share of home value.

Lawmakers should voluntarily adopt a spending cap to give taxpayers the certainty they deserve.

A new report would have Illinoisans believe that a progressive income tax means tax cuts and economic growth. Illinois lawmakers’ tax-and-spend tendencies and evidence from all 50 states say otherwise.

A progressive income tax isn’t really about fairness. It’s just the next idea in a long line of failed policies hoping to pay for spending levels Illinoisans can’t afford.