Voters statewide will decide whether 644 Lake Bluff taxpayers should send $17 million in additional income taxes to Springfield.

A joint service agreement between two fire departments could save Lake Bluff more than $500,000 over five years, once fully implemented. The plan would be a welcome change of pace for residents, as Lake County homeowners pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation.

by Taylor Smith It’s no secret that Illinois’ record income tax hike has failed to revive Illinois’ fiscal health. But it also has dramatically exacerbated the state’s economic outlook on many levels. Since the tax hike, Illinois’ unemployment numbers have worsened. In 2011, Illinois’ unemployment rate increased most in the nation – by far – with 46...

by Kristina Rasmussen A round up of local Illinois measures on the ballot this November 2 by Ballotpedia.org shows that local governments across the state are trying to hike taxes and borrow more money. Some examples, with individual summaries from Ballotpedia.org: Sangamon County sales tax hike. The tax would add one percent to the current sales tax rate in...