Implementing a taxpayer bill of rights could prevent Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle from increasing the county’s already-high tax burden.

Chicago Public Schools officials had an opportunity to enact serious reforms addressing the district’s dire financial condition, but they instead opted to further burden Chicago taxpayers without offering any change.

Illinois had the fourth-highest combined state and local tax burden as a share of state income in the country.

When it comes to touting oneself as a defender of the middle class, actions speak louder than words.