Illinois gas tax set for automatic increase July 1

06/15/2020

State lawmakers last summer doubled Illinois’ gas tax to help pay for capital projects. Each year the gas tax automatically rises, shielding lawmakers from responsibility for hikes.

TAGS: capital plan, gas tax, JB Pritzker, Martin Sandoval

To fight COVID-19 economic harm, Illinois must delay or cancel taxes and fees where possible

By Adam Schuster

04/02/2020

Struggling businesses, individuals and families need relief while the economy is shut down. Despite Illinois’ financial woes, leaders can help the recovery by lifting government-imposed financial burdens.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, emergency, executive order, fees, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, property taxes

Special report: Illinois must act now to guard against COVID-19 financial fallout

By Adam Schuster

03/17/2020

Due to its poor financial health and lagging economy, Illinois carries unique economic and fiscal risks from a prolonged market downturn or recession. The state must act now to mitigate harm from COVID-19.

Pritzker orders closure of all Illinois bars and restaurants amid coronavirus spread

By Austin Berg

03/16/2020

The order comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Illinois continues to rise.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, JB Pritzker, small business

Pritzker’s accounting gimmicks can’t fix pension crisis, but real reform can

By Adam Schuster

02/21/2020

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker previously floated a pension plan that included pawning-off state assets, taking on more high-interest debt and reducing pension funding before walking back the plan amid criticism. Here’s a real solution.

TAGS: bonds, budget, COLA: cost of living adjustment, credit rating, fair tax, Illinois Constitution, Illinois Department of Revenue, JB Pritzker, Moody's Investor Service, pensions, progressive income tax, Standard & Poor's

Chicago commuter will see $286 parking tax hike Jan. 1 under Pritzker plan

12/23/2019

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s capital plan calls for an increased parking tax, just one of the new ways drivers will pay more in 2020.

TAGS: Chicago, JB Pritzker, parking tax, tax hikes, tax increase, taxes

Bad Santa: Sobering ‘sin taxes’ in Illinois among nation’s highest

By Vincent Caruso

12/12/2019

Excise taxes have failed to rehabilitate Illinois’ failing fiscal health. But lawmakers have yet to kick the habit.

TAGS: alcohol tax, amusement tax, cigarette tax, excise tax, soda tax, taxes

When drivers shift into ‘park’ after Jan. 1, Illinois will move to collect taxes

12/02/2019

Illinoisans paying to park will see a new tax beginning in January. Even parking on someone’s lawn for a special event will be taxed.

TAGS: capital plan, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, Illinois Department of Revenue, parking garages, parking tax, parking violations, Springfield

Taxpayer support for southwestern Illinois airport hits $104.3 million

By Brad Weisenstein

08/30/2019

Each year St. Clair County, Illinois, taxpayers must add money to keep MidAmerica St. Louis Airport open. While passenger traffic is increasing, so are expenses.

TAGS: budget, MidAmerica Airport, St. Clair County

Illinois becomes 1st state in Midwest to raise tobacco age to 21

07/08/2019

A new state law prohibits Illinois store owners from selling tobacco products and e-cigarettes to residents under the age of 21.

TAGS: cigarette tax, e-cigarettes, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Illinois Department of Revenue

Illinois gas tax set for automatic increase July 1

To fight COVID-19 economic harm, Illinois must delay or cancel taxes and fees where possible

Special report: Illinois must act now to guard against COVID-19 financial fallout

Pritzker orders closure of all Illinois bars and restaurants amid coronavirus spread

Pritzker’s accounting gimmicks can’t fix pension crisis, but real reform can

Chicago commuter will see $286 parking tax hike Jan. 1 under Pritzker plan

Bad Santa: Sobering ‘sin taxes’ in Illinois among nation’s highest

When drivers shift into ‘park’ after Jan. 1, Illinois will move to collect taxes

Taxpayer support for southwestern Illinois airport hits $104.3 million

Illinois becomes 1st state in Midwest to raise tobacco age to 21

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