Illinoisans saw jobs growth plummet after 2017 tax hike

By Orphe Divounguy, Austin Berg, Bryce Hill, Joe Tabor

01/22/2018

Illinois' jobs growth trailed that of the nation during the first half of 2017, then slowed to a halt in the wake of the General Assembly's record-breaking tax hike.

TAGS: income tax, jobs, property taxes, taxes, unemployment

Akuna Capital signed tax break deal with state of Illinois estimated to be worth $4.5M

By Brendan Bakala

05/23/2017

In 2015, Chicago-headquartered Akuna Capital LLC signed a deal with the state of Illinois that state officials estimated to be worth $4.5 million. As part of the agreement, Akuna agreed to hire 10 new employees. The agreement states the new hires specialized in trading and software.

TAGS: cronyism, EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, tax credits

Capital One received more than $20 million in tax breaks from Illinois in 2015

By Brendan Bakala

05/02/2017

The state agreed to the tax credits in exchange for Capital One hiring 210 new employees and retaining 900.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, budget, Business and Employment Development Tax Credit Act, cronyism, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, jobs, Michael Zalewski, Mike Madigan, Natalie Manley, Pam Althoff, tax credits, Transforming Helping and Reviving Illinois’ Versatile Economy

EDGE tax credit program expires, but extension passes Illinois House

By Brendan Bakala

05/01/2017

Illinois’ EDGE tax credit program expired April 30; however, proponents of EDGE have passed a one-month extension in the Illinois House of Representatives.

TAGS: David McSweeney, DCEO: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Mark Batinick, Natalie Manley, Scott Drury, tax credits

Homeowners in collar counties pay highest property taxes in Illinois

04/26/2017

Residents of Chicago’s collar counties pay the highest property taxes in the state – and some of the highest in the country.

TAGS: collar counties, DuPage County, Kane County, Kendall County, Lake County, McHenry County, outmigration, population, property taxes

Illinois politicians vote to divert $300M from state coffers to fuel local spending

By Amy Korte

03/16/2017

Despite Illinois’ billions in deficit spending and skyrocketing debt, the Illinois House of Representatives passed House Bill 278, which would transfer an additional $300 million per year of state income tax funds to local governments, continuing to prop up local overspending that fuels high property taxes.

TAGS: Illinois House of Representatives, LGDF: Local Government Distributive Fund, property taxes

Madigan makes history while Illinois’ middle class races toward extinction

By Austin Berg

01/12/2017

At the end of his term in 2019, Madigan will be the longest-serving House speaker of any state in modern U.S. history.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Madigan set to become longest-serving House speaker in modern U.S. history

By Austin Berg

01/11/2017

Chicago Democrat Mike Madigan will hold the speakership for a record 17th time.

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Mike Madigan

The Illinoisans who vote for Madigan

By Austin Berg

10/07/2016

Just as Illinoisans elect state representatives, state representatives elect the speaker of the House every two years. To become the speaker, Madigan just needs a majority vote.

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Mike Madigan

Natalie Manley

Illinoisans saw jobs growth plummet after 2017 tax hike

Akuna Capital signed tax break deal with state of Illinois estimated to be worth $4.5M

Capital One received more than $20 million in tax breaks from Illinois in 2015

EDGE tax credit program expires, but extension passes Illinois House

Homeowners in collar counties pay highest property taxes in Illinois

Illinois politicians vote to divert $300M from state coffers to fuel local spending

Madigan makes history while Illinois’ middle class races toward extinction

Madigan set to become longest-serving House speaker in modern U.S. history

The Illinoisans who vote for Madigan

Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs

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