Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion

By LyLena Estabine

04/01/2026

By freezing property values in a specific area, TIF districts artificially manipulate who pays the levy, leading to effective property tax hikes.

TAGS: TIF: Tax Increment Financing

Illinois missing out on big savings

By Benjamin Hines

03/30/2026

Adopting a state spending cap could help combat a mounting fiscal crisis.

Testimony: Lawmakers can help workers sustain careers through an evolving economy 

By Josh Bandoch

03/27/2026

House Bill 4882 was supported with written testimony by Josh Bandoch, head of policy at Illinois Policy.

A Bears stadium deal should not include lawmaker perks or raise property taxes

By Bryce Hill

03/27/2026

Publicly funded stadium agreements can involve questionable incentives for politicians. The megaprojects bill in Illinois would drive up neighbors’ property taxes.

More than half of Illinois counties suffer outmigration

By Bryce Hill

03/26/2026

Residents are leaving every corner of Illinois for other states despite surging international migration propping up the total population.

Illinois home prices jump as inventory plunges

By LyLena Estabine, Jon Josko

03/26/2026

The state’s housing inventory is at just 31% of pre-pandemic levels, driving up prices. Restrictive zoning and the nation’s highest property taxes must be addressed.

A recession would quickly sink Illinois’ unemployment insurance fund

By LyLena Estabine

03/24/2026

State unemployment insurance could withstand less than three months in an economic downturn. The taxes that support the fund are among the highest in the country.

Teacher strike threats highlight fact that Illinois allows such walkouts

By Benjamin Hines

03/23/2026

Illinois is among the minority of states allowing teachers to strike. None of Illinois’ neighbors allow it.

Tax concern should be a warning to Chicago’s mayor

By Todd J. Behme

03/23/2026

Almost half of those in a new poll named taxes one of the city top-two issues. Concern about the economy is on the rise.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

In Cook County, 75% of police, fire property taxes go to pensions

By LyLena Estabine

03/20/2026

Outside Chicago, only a fourth of municipal property taxes collected this year for police and fire are going to services.

Illinois

Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion

Illinois missing out on big savings

Testimony: Lawmakers can help workers sustain careers through an evolving economy

A Bears stadium deal should not include lawmaker perks or raise property taxes

More than half of Illinois counties suffer outmigration

Illinois home prices jump as inventory plunges

A recession would quickly sink Illinois’ unemployment insurance fund

Teacher strike threats highlight fact that Illinois allows such walkouts

Tax concern should be a warning to Chicago’s mayor

In Cook County, 75% of police, fire property taxes go to pensions

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