Chicago’s dizzying alcohol taxes

By Vincent Caruso

12/26/2017

The combined burden of municipal and state taxes on alcoholic beverages might make Chicagoans think they’re seeing double.

TAGS: alcohol tax, Chicago, taxes

School districts across the state raise property tax levies

By Brendan Bakala

12/23/2017

Illinois’ school district debt and unfair government union bargaining laws contribute to the state’s massive property taxes.

TAGS: municipal pensions, pensions, property taxes, school district consolidation

Last-minute Christmas shopping? Illinoisans brace for sky-high sales taxes

By Vincent Caruso

12/21/2017

The holiday season is a time for giving. And, by the time Illinoisans complete their shopping, they’ll have given plenty – to state and local governments.

TAGS: sales tax

Study: Illinois among states prone to lawmakers with conflicts of interest

By Vincent Caruso

12/20/2017

The Land of Lincoln is rich with lawmakers’ penchant for self-enrichment, according to a report from the Center for Public Integrity.

TAGS: Joseph Berrios, Madigan & Getzendanner, Mike Madigan, property taxes

Planes, trains and automobiles: Chicago’s high travel taxes

By Brendan Bakala

12/20/2017

Chicago has some of the highest taxes on travelers in the nation.

TAGS: Airbnb, amusement tax, Chicago, collaborative economy, Cook County, hotel tax, Rahm Emanuel, rideshare, transportation

This Christmas, property taxes are robbing the McCallisters

By Brendan Bakala

12/17/2017

Since 1990, the owners of 671 Lincoln Avenue have paid more than $783,000 in property taxes when adjusting for inflation.

TAGS: local government, property taxes

Elmhurst City Council OKs property tax hike for pensions

By Brendan Bakala

12/13/2017

The Chicago suburb’s decision to raise the levy will result in a 3.1 percent hike in the city’s portion of property tax bills, marking the first such increase in four years.

TAGS: municipal pensions, pensions, property taxes

Last day for refunds on Chicago red-light and speed camera tickets

By Brendan Bakala

12/11/2017

Motorists have only hours left to seek a refund from the city of Chicago.

TAGS: Chicago, criminal justice reform, red light cameras

Investigation: Madigan firm the biggest player in commercial property tax appeals

By Austin Berg

12/08/2017

A new investigation by the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois reveals the mismanagement of the Cook County property tax system, and the politically connected firms who profit from it.

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, cronyism, Ed Burke, Joseph Berrios, Madigan & Getzendanner, Mike Madigan, property taxes, ProPublica, Steve Brown

Building fairness and opportunity: The effects of repealing Illinois’ prevailing wage law

By Orphe Divounguy

12/07/2017

Illinois’ Prevailing Wage Act has no place in the 21st century. Policymakers should enact fair and competitive construction laws that give all individuals who are willing to work a fighting chance.

Cook County

Chicago’s dizzying alcohol taxes

School districts across the state raise property tax levies

Last-minute Christmas shopping? Illinoisans brace for sky-high sales taxes

Study: Illinois among states prone to lawmakers with conflicts of interest

Planes, trains and automobiles: Chicago’s high travel taxes

This Christmas, property taxes are robbing the McCallisters

Elmhurst City Council OKs property tax hike for pensions

Last day for refunds on Chicago red-light and speed camera tickets

Investigation: Madigan firm the biggest player in commercial property tax appeals

Building fairness and opportunity: The effects of repealing Illinois’ prevailing wage law

Solutions for vacant lots would reduce crime and poverty in Chicago

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