How will Chicago address a projected $882 million budget deficit?

By Ethan Soifer

10/06/2026

Aldermen have warned Mayor Brandon Johnson what they will not support.

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

By Jared Walczak

09/29/2026

Illinois’ tax code stands in the way of the state’s economic competitiveness. The combination of high tax burdens and a poor tax structure contributes to the loss of jobs and investment to other states. From a place of former economic dominance, Illinois now ranks 45th in gross state product (GSP) growth over the past decade...

Pension buyout extension passes, forecast to save $1.4 billion

By LyLena Estabine

05/30/2026

Renewing the state pension buyout for two years means flexibility for retirees and savings for the state.

TAGS: budget, pensions

Tax hike threat looms as Illinois budget deadline nears

By Bryce Hill

05/27/2026

They are signaling a willingness to raise taxes as the May 31 deadline quickly approaches.

Delayed property tax bills cost Chicago Public Schools $34 million

By LyLena Estabine

05/26/2026

Chicago Public Schools borrowed over $1.8 billion amid a delay in last year’s Cook County bills, adding interest costs and exposing the fragility of the district’s finances.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Bad revenue forecasts drive reckless state spending

By Ravi Mishra

05/22/2026

Lawmakers too often decide what to spend without an accurate picture of what will come in.

2 ways to improve Illinois spending decisions

By Ravi Mishra

05/20/2026

Lawmakers make costly decisions without understanding the economic impact.

Illinoisans can read a budget before it passes for the first time in at least 10 years

By Lilly Rossi

05/19/2026

Bucking the practice of recent years, lawmakers introduced the proposed budget more than three weeks before the May 31 end of the session.

Illinois combined state, local tax rate tops the country

By Brennan Park

05/13/2026

The amount of state and local taxes paid here also is near the nation’s highest.

Illinois budget process needs reform

By Ravi Mishra

05/12/2026

Revamping how the state decides on spending would improve responsibility and transparency.

Fiscal policy

How will Chicago address a projected $882 million budget deficit?

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Pension buyout extension passes, forecast to save $1.4 billion

Tax hike threat looms as Illinois budget deadline nears

Delayed property tax bills cost Chicago Public Schools $34 million

Bad revenue forecasts drive reckless state spending

2 ways to improve Illinois spending decisions

Illinoisans can read a budget before it passes for the first time in at least 10 years

Illinois combined state, local tax rate tops the country

Illinois budget process needs reform

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students