How one Illinois law jacks up the cost of government while harming construction sector employment By Orphe Divounguy 12/06/2017 Illinois state lawmakers could stimulate employment and lower costs for overburdened taxpayers by repealing the state’s outdated prevailing wage law. TAGS: construction, jobs, prevailing wage, regulations
Repeal Day: Illinois’ sobering alcohol taxes, regulations a reminder of Prohibition By Vincent Caruso 12/05/2017 With the ratification of the 21st Amendment, 1933 marked the end of Prohibition in the United States. But that hasn’t stopped the Land of Lincoln from serving a cocktail of prohibitive regulations on alcoholic beverages. TAGS: alcohol tax, regulations, taxes
Cook County’s notorious soda tax ends today By Chris Lentino 12/01/2017 With the repeal of the Cook County sweetened beverage tax, taxpayers remind elected officials who they represent. TAGS: Cook County, soda tax, Toni Preckwinkle
Interstate shipping ban chills Illinois wine business, ices out wine consumers By Vincent Caruso 11/30/2017 Prohibition died in 1933, but alcohol-related cronyism is alive and well. TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Chicago, liquor laws, regulations
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts By Brendan Bakala 11/24/2017 The village and school district will likely raise their property tax levies. TAGS: budget, property taxes
Cook County retirees to outnumber active employees in 2 years By Chris Lentino 11/16/2017 Recently released data shows retirees outpacing active employees, adding pressure to an already stressed pension fund. TAGS: 401(k), Cook County, municipal pensions, pensions
Cook County jail worker abused family leave, called off work 60 times By Vincent Caruso 11/13/2017 A suspended Cook County Jail corrections officer faces termination following serial abuses of a federal family leave rule. TAGS: Cook County, Cook County Jail, maternity leave
For your entertainment: Latest Chicago tax hike hits concerts, theater By Chris Lentino 11/13/2017 Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposed increase in the city’s amusement tax is nothing but the continued nickel-and-diming of Chicagoans. TAGS: amusement tax, Chicago, Chicago City Council, Rahm Emanuel, taxes
Chicago Ald. Ed Burke wants to fine pedestrians up to $500 for ‘distracted walking’ By Vincent Caruso 11/09/2017 The proposal would fine pedestrians $90 for checking their phone at city intersections and $500 for the offense of being distracted. TAGS: Chicago, Ed Burke, overcriminalization
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion By Chris Lentino 11/07/2017 Cook County governments have now amassed $139 billion in debt, a 30 percent increase over the last 5 years. TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, debt, local government, municipal pensions