Illinois Senate passes bill to end clock change during daylight saving time

By Vincent Caruso

11/13/2019

Some state lawmakers are pushing a proposal to do away with the unpopular practice of changing the clock twice a year.

Illinois unemployment rate hits low despite tepid jobs growth

By illinoispolicy

10/28/2019

Illinois’ unemployment rate hit 3.9% in September – the first time in decades that the jobless rate went under 4%, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

TAGS: employment, jobs, unemployment

Illinoisans to pay highest gas prices in Midwest, following attacks in Saudi Arabia

By Vincent Caruso

09/17/2019

Turmoil overseas for the world’s leading exporter of crude oil will mean more pain at the pump for Illinoisans, after enduring a doubled state gas tax in July.

TAGS: capital project, fair tax, gas tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, taxes

Bureaucrats over classrooms: Illinois wastes millions of education dollars on unnecessary layers of administration

By Orphe Divounguy, Adam Schuster, Bryce Hill

09/09/2019

Illinoisans pay large sums for public education, yet a large portion of the money goes to Illinois’ bloated school district bureaucracy that diverts resources away from the classroom. Through smart, strategic reforms, Illinoisans can better prepare their youth for the future as well as provide property tax relief.

Doubled gas tax creates losers in Illinois, winners across state lines

By Brad Weisenstein

08/21/2019

Station owners said Illinois businesses were damaged July 1 when the gasoline tax doubled. Tax increases are keeping Illinois pumps quiet and cooling cigarette sales.

TAGS: gas tax, minimum wage, taxes

Cost of Illinois’ education bureaucracy crowds out classroom spending

By Adam Schuster

08/20/2019

More than 9,000 Illinois school district administrators earn more than $100,000 a year. Each of them will collect at least $3 million in pension benefits during retirement.

TAGS: education, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, Rita Mayfield, school district consolidation, school district efficiency

Illinois gas tax hike comes packed with pork

By Austin Berg

07/12/2019

Illinoisans deserve a pothole-free future. But are they getting a bang for their gas tax buck? Or is Pritzker’s $45 billion “Rebuild Illinois” program just another vehicle to deliver special favors? A deep dive into the capital plan points toward the latter, showing at least $1.25 billion in pork-barrel projects.

TAGS: gas tax, JB Pritzker

Illinois becomes 1st state in Midwest to raise tobacco age to 21

07/08/2019

A new state law prohibits Illinois store owners from selling tobacco products and e-cigarettes to residents under the age of 21.

TAGS: cigarette tax, e-cigarettes, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Bottle racket: Illinois’ high alcohol taxes blow up cost of Independence Day celebrations

By Vincent Caruso

07/03/2019

Ahead of Independence Day, Illinoisans near the state border exercise their freedom to purchase alcohol in low-tax neighboring states.

TAGS: alcohol tax, liquor laws, taxes

Illinois taxpayers to face $2.1B in new taxes on July 1

06/27/2019

Starting this July, Illinoisans will pay higher taxes on gasoline, cigarettes, video gaming and more.

TAGS: cigarette tax, gambling, gas tax, JB Pritzker, managed care, real estate, taxes

Midwestern United States

Illinois Senate passes bill to end clock change during daylight saving time

Illinois unemployment rate hits low despite tepid jobs growth

Illinoisans to pay highest gas prices in Midwest, following attacks in Saudi Arabia

Bureaucrats over classrooms: Illinois wastes millions of education dollars on unnecessary layers of administration

Doubled gas tax creates losers in Illinois, winners across state lines

Cost of Illinois’ education bureaucracy crowds out classroom spending

Illinois gas tax hike comes packed with pork

Illinois becomes 1st state in Midwest to raise tobacco age to 21

Bottle racket: Illinois’ high alcohol taxes blow up cost of Independence Day celebrations

Illinois taxpayers to face $2.1B in new taxes on July 1

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