Illinois income tax increase now in effect

By John Kristof

07/12/2017

The Illinois Department of Revenue issued details on how to comply with the state’s increase income tax, signaling the reality of higher taxes for Illinoisans.

TAGS: budget, Illinois Department of Revenue, income tax, taxes

Rockford receives credit downgrade as pension debt grows

By Robert Brutvan

07/12/2017

As pension debt mounts, Moody’s Investors Services has downgraded the city of Rockford to an A2 rating.

TAGS: downgrade, pensions, Rockford

CPS borrows another $500M at sky-high interest rates

By Robert Brutvan

07/12/2017

Chicago Public Schools has issued an additional $500 million in long-term high-interest bonds, following $387 million the district borrowed from JPMorgan in June.

TAGS: bonds

New study ranks Illinois 2nd-worst in fiscal health

By Marianna Schmiesing

07/12/2017

New findings from the Mercatus Center highlight how Illinois’ reliance on debt and costly pension and other employment benefits have put the state on the wrong fiscal track.

TAGS: budget, pensions

Marion regulates short-term rentals before eclipse

By John Kristof

07/12/2017

Effective July 20, 2017, residents wishing to host visitors in their homes between one and thirty days must apply and pay $50 for a license. The city must inspect the property and deem it up to standards.

TAGS: collaborative economy, homesharing, regulations, sharing economy

Millennials could be key to Illinois’ housing recovery – but they are fleeing the state

By Madelyn Harwood

07/11/2017

Illinois loses more millennial taxpayers and dependents to other states than any state except New York.

TAGS: housing, millennials, outmigration, population, property taxes

Illinois’ $21 billion in school debt pushes up property taxes

By Ted Dabrowski, Evelyn Hussey

07/11/2017

Illinois’ debt per student is the 11th highest of any state in the nation. It is almost 15 percent higher than the national average of $8,764.

State of Illinois loses $4 million in lottery revenue due to budget crisis

By John Kristof

07/10/2017

That total comes from $2.4 million lost due to the absence of Powerball ticket sales and $1.4 million lost due to the absence of Mega Millions ticket sales.

TAGS: budget, illinois lottery, lottery

Income report shows Illinois staggering along with nation’s worst income growth

By Michael Lucci

07/10/2017

Illinois’ 32 percent income tax hike will steal nearly an entire year’s worth of income growth from Illinoisans.

TAGS: household income, Moody's Investor Service, personal income

Sales tax hikes take effect in 50 Illinois taxing districts

By John Kristof

07/07/2017

More than 50 Illinois counties, municipalities and business districts started imposing sales tax increases ranging from 0.25-1.5 percent as of July 1.

TAGS: sales tax

Illinois

Illinois income tax increase now in effect

Rockford receives credit downgrade as pension debt grows

CPS borrows another $500M at sky-high interest rates

New study ranks Illinois 2nd-worst in fiscal health

Marion regulates short-term rentals before eclipse

Millennials could be key to Illinois’ housing recovery – but they are fleeing the state

Illinois’ $21 billion in school debt pushes up property taxes

State of Illinois loses $4 million in lottery revenue due to budget crisis

Income report shows Illinois staggering along with nation’s worst income growth

Sales tax hikes take effect in 50 Illinois taxing districts

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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