Illinois revenue $717M more than expected, but politicians still raise taxes

By Ravi Mishra

07/28/2025

Despite record revenues, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2026 budget hikes taxes by another $482 million. Illinoisans are paying 44% more than six years ago and getting higher tax burdens as thanks.

State government salaries have grown 57% faster than private sector since 2021

By Mailee Smith, Bryce Hill

07/28/2025

State employees represented by AFSCME Council 31 received an automatic annual raise on July 1, highlighting the salary discrepancy between government and private sector workers.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Chicago pension sweetener would add $11.1 billion in liabilities

By LyLena Estabine

07/25/2025

State lawmakers boosted benefits for Chicago police and firefighters in the final days of the legislative session. Gov. J.B. Pritzker should reject this bill, or else it will add billions in debt to an already struggling city.

Illinois’ unemployment rank hits 12th in U.S.: best since pandemic

By Jack Knorr

07/25/2025

Illinois was No. 12 in the U.S. for its June unemployment rate. It’s not been ranked that low since before the pandemic. Still, the state trails the national average thanks to anemic private-sector growth.

TAGS: unemployment

No. 2 no more: Illinois property taxes rank highest in U.S.

By Charlotte Rotkis

07/25/2025

Illinois just ranked as having the highest property tax rate in the country. Property taxes in Illinois are an especially heavy burden without the tradeoff seen in states such as Texas or New Hampshire, where there are either no sales taxes or income taxes.

TAGS: property taxes

5 years later, Metra, CTA, Pace nowhere near pre-COVID levels

By Ravi Mishra, Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis

07/25/2025

Ridership on Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority and Pace is still down 30% from pre-pandemic levels. The agency overseeing all three needs to look at spending before demanding $1.5 billion from taxpayers.

Illinois Federation of Teachers likes trans restrooms; dislikes cops, charter schools

By Lilly Rossi

07/24/2025

The Illinois Federation of Teachers, the parent union of the Chicago Teachers Union, should be worried about the three Rs, but its main R is “radicalism.” Transgender restrooms, defunding the police and getting rid of charter schools top its radical agenda.

TAGS: IFT: Illinois Federation of Teachers

Oak Park natural gas ban faces legal challenge

By Jerry Barmore

07/24/2025

In 2024, Oak Park, Illinois, went where Mayor Brandon Johnson tried to take Chicago – banning all natural gas connections in new building projects. The high cost of this inconsequential, feel-good move is getting legal pushback.

Illinois 3X taxes on Juul, Elf Bar, ZYN products to fund more spending

By Ravi Mishra

07/21/2025

In another short-term revenue move, Illinois lawmakers July 1 turned to vape and other nicotine product tax hikes to allow ever-more spending. Taxes on vape products went from 15% to 45% of the wholesale cost.

TAGS: vaping

Nearly 2M Illinoisans still need federal food benefits, most in Chicago

By Sachi Gaonkar

07/18/2025

Although enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program declined marginally in April, nearly 2 million Illinoisans still depend on the federal food aid. Illinois’ food insecurity has yet to recover from the pandemic.

TAGS: SNAP

Illinois

Illinois revenue $717M more than expected, but politicians still raise taxes

State government salaries have grown 57% faster than private sector since 2021

Chicago pension sweetener would add $11.1 billion in liabilities

Illinois’ unemployment rank hits 12th in U.S.: best since pandemic

No. 2 no more: Illinois property taxes rank highest in U.S.

5 years later, Metra, CTA, Pace nowhere near pre-COVID levels

Illinois Federation of Teachers likes trans restrooms; dislikes cops, charter schools

Oak Park natural gas ban faces legal challenge

Illinois 3X taxes on Juul, Elf Bar, ZYN products to fund more spending

Nearly 2M Illinoisans still need federal food benefits, most in Chicago

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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