The array of six tax-hike proposals adds up to more than the state’s total projected general-fund spending in fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018 – combined.
Reforms to LLC fees and the corporate franchise tax would be a great start for building a better business environment in Illinois, especially for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Local-government employees are typically barred from serving in local elected office, given they’d be sitting on both sides of the bargaining table. But one group of public employees is exempt from this sensible safeguard: firefighters.
Local governments should structure themselves in a way that best meets the needs of their budget, taxpayers and public employees. And the state should give them the power to do so.
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...