Illinois’ combined state and average local sales tax rate is the highest in the Midwest.

The Civic Federation’s budget plan repeats old mistakes with multibillion-dollar tax hikes and no serious, structural reform.

Making Illinois’ system fairer through pension reform, consolidation and accountability to parents and students.

The proposal would be part of the Senate’s “grand bargain,” which also includes a multibillion-dollar income tax hike.

A new report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shows Illinois has experienced falling tax collections, which may indicate trouble in the state economy; spending reforms – not tax hikes – are what Illinois needs to right its fiscal ship and boost economic growth.