Holiday shopping and the sales tax scrooge

By Austin Berg

12/13/2018

Illinois' current patchwork of sales tax exemptions, oftentimes carved out by special interests, makes for poor policy.

Senate narrowly overrides Rauner ‘Tobacco 21’ veto

By Vincent Caruso

11/15/2018

A bill that would raise the legal age to 21 for purchasing tobacco and e-cigarette products will return to the Illinois House of Representatives after Senate lawmakers overrode Gov. Rauner’s veto.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Illinois Senate, Julie Morrison, smoking ban, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Lake County village rejects sales tax referendum

By Janelle Cammenga

11/07/2018

A proposed 1 percent sales tax would have increased the village of Barrington’s sales tax burden to among the highest in the nation.

TAGS: Barrington, Lake County, sales tax, taxes

Highest paid superintendent in Illinois history fired for ‘pay padding’

By Vincent Caruso

11/01/2018

Following an investigation into allegations of “pay padding,” among other offenses, Calumet school district board members dismissed Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent less than a week before retirement.

TAGS: Calumet School District 155, education, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, Troy Paraday

County referendum would raise Springfield sales tax burden to among nation’s highest

By Janelle Cammenga

09/11/2018

A proposed 1 percent sales tax for school facilities improvements would bring the city of Springfield’s combined sales tax rate to 9.75 percent – among the highest in the nation.

TAGS: municipal pensions, pensions, sales tax, Sangamon County, Springfield, taxes

Taxpayer-subsidized manufacturer shutters Illinois plant

08/28/2018

Despite years of taxpayer subsidies, rail car manufacturer Nippon Sharyo has closed its Rochelle plant – pointing to a reality some politicians don’t want to face.

TAGS: EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, Nippon Sharyo, Ogle County, Rochelle, tax credits

Rauner vetoes smoking ban for Illinoisans under 21

By Vincent Caruso

08/27/2018

Chicago’s legal smoking age of 21 would have been expanded statewide under the proposal.

TAGS: cigarette tax, Dan McConchie, e-cigarettes, Julie Morrison, smoking ban, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Rauner signs bill shedding light on school district administrative spending

08/17/2018

The new law will bring more transparency to Illinois school districts’ administrative costs, which are among the highest in the nation.

TAGS: Andy Manar, Bruce Rauner, school district consolidation, transparency

Free beer: How Illinois could become the country’s craft capital

By Austin Berg

08/16/2018

State lawmakers should seize the momentum in Illinois. Let your people brew. And transport. And sell.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, craft beer, Liquor Control Act, liquor laws

Missouri’s right-to-work vote: Boon or boondoggle?

By Austin Berg

08/09/2018

Without right-to-work protections currently offered in 27 states, you pay the union or lose your job. It’s very simple.

TAGS: Eric Greitens, labor, Missouri, right to work, unions

Midwestern United States

Holiday shopping and the sales tax scrooge

Senate narrowly overrides Rauner ‘Tobacco 21’ veto

Lake County village rejects sales tax referendum

Highest paid superintendent in Illinois history fired for ‘pay padding’

County referendum would raise Springfield sales tax burden to among nation’s highest

Taxpayer-subsidized manufacturer shutters Illinois plant

Rauner vetoes smoking ban for Illinoisans under 21

Rauner signs bill shedding light on school district administrative spending

Free beer: How Illinois could become the country’s craft capital

Missouri’s right-to-work vote: Boon or boondoggle?

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