Mayor Rahm Emanuel looks to increase costs for Chicagoans to fill budget shortfalls and failing pensions.

One change in federal tax code – and Illinois lawmakers’ response to it – could decide the economic trajectory of the state.

Cities and villages across the state are raising taxes or implementing new ones for a variety of functions, from attracting a fast-food restaurant to catching up on rising pension costs.

Every budget through 2023 will likely be unbalanced as well.

If aggrieved taxpayers don’t also demand fixes to underlying spending problems, calls for additional tax hikes will return. And they’ll be stronger than ever.

With the repeal of the Cook County sweetened beverage tax, taxpayers remind elected officials who they represent.

The Cook County Board Finance Committee voted Oct. 10 in favor of an ordinance to repeal the unpopular sweetened beverage tax. The repeal measure now awaits a vote before the full board.

Illinois ranks eighth in the nation for state and local excise and selective sales tax collections.

A proposed increase in gas taxes to pay for state infrastructure spending would impose another burden on overtaxed Illinoisans.

The most likely driver is pretty obvious to most Illinoisans: the rage of constituents.