Illinois lawmakers get 26 seconds per page to read 2025 budget

By Patrick Andriesen

05/20/2025

Illinois state lawmakers must be super speed readers, because who would vote on something they hadn’t read? They were given an average of 67 seconds per page to read the past nine state budgets, but last year received only 26 seconds per page.

Illinois payroll tax would kill jobs, reduce wages

By Bryce Hill

05/16/2025

Illinois state lawmakers are considering a statewide payroll tax that would raise business costs, reduce wages and kill jobs. Workers are already taxed on their income, meaning this would tax their wages twice.

Chicago’s pension debt being fueled by heavy, growing interest

By LyLena Estabine

04/30/2025

With $18.5 billion of the city’s $52.4 billion shortfall driven by interest on pension debt, it’s clear Illinois’ largest city needs the state to pass constitutional pension reform.

Chicago Teachers Union pushes $7.3B in taxes on Illinoisans

By Patrick Andriesen

04/30/2025

The Chicago Teachers Union and its partners are pushing nine new or higher taxes that could end up costing Illinoisans $7.3 billion more starting July 1. Their scheme to fill a proposed state budget deficit is likely to backfire and shrink the tax base.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Top Illinois pensioners invest $1, get $25 back in retirement benefits

By Patrick Andriesen

04/28/2025

Illinois’ top 50 state pensioners can expect an average lifetime payout of $8.47 million despite just $333,844 being contributed during their careers. That’s $1 in, $25 out, thanks to taxpayers.

A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?

By Joe Tabor, Ed Bachrach

03/26/2025

A city charter would put much-needed guardrails on the Chicago government. Here’s what needs to happen to get one.

Illinois’ So-Called ‘Millionaire Tax’ Makes All Taxpayers a Target

By Matheus Cosso

03/05/2025

The “millionaire tax” will increase Illinois’ tax burden without necessarily increasing public funds. Revenue intended for education may fall short of expectations and will likely be absorbed by school administration before reaching students.

TAGS: millionaire tax

Illinois’ flat income tax puts taxpayers exactly in middle, encourages wealthy to stay

By Patrick Andriesen

02/26/2025

A new report from the Tax Foundation shows the typical Illinois taxpayer will save big thanks to the constitutional protections of Illinois’ flat tax. Some state lawmakers want to take that protection away.

Bill introduced to again try for progressive income tax in Illinois

By Bryce Hill

02/17/2025

The Illinois Constitution currently requires income taxes to be imposed at a single, flat rate. A new bill filed in the Illinois General Assembly would allow for income to be taxed at varying rates, making it easier for lawmakers to raise rates.

TAGS: progressive income tax

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

Constitution of Illinois

Illinois lawmakers get 26 seconds per page to read 2025 budget

Illinois payroll tax would kill jobs, reduce wages

Chicago’s pension debt being fueled by heavy, growing interest

Chicago Teachers Union pushes $7.3B in taxes on Illinoisans

Top Illinois pensioners invest $1, get $25 back in retirement benefits

A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?

Illinois’ So-Called ‘Millionaire Tax’ Makes All Taxpayers a Target

Illinois’ flat income tax puts taxpayers exactly in middle, encourages wealthy to stay

Bill introduced to again try for progressive income tax in Illinois

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs

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