Illinois has the third-highest corporate income taxes in the nation. These are some of the most harmful taxes to economic growth, particularly in times of economic hardship.
The Chicago Teachers Union election has two groups competing to lead one of the most militant unions in the nation. CTU has a hand in federal, state and local politics.
With $18.5 billion of the city’s $52.4 billion shortfall driven by interest on pension debt, it’s clear Illinois’ largest city needs the state to pass constitutional pension reform.
Each Chicago taxpayer is on the hook for $40,600 in city debt today, the second most among major U.S. cities. Add in the debt Illinois state leaders grew last year, and Chicago taxpayers owe nearly $80,000.
While Illinois’ total population grew slightly last year, many areas of the state experienced population decline. People moved out of state from half the counties.
Most neighboring states are gaining residents from people moving across state lines. Even of the states losing people, Illinois is losing at a significantly faster rate.
Of the states most Americans are moving to, 4 of 5 have a flat or no income tax. The states losing the most residents? There again, 4 of 5 have progressive taxes. Illinois’ flat tax is an advantage it should keep.
Chicago’s $1.15 billion projected budget gap is the latest in a decades-long string of structural deficits. Making Chicago’s high taxes worse is not the solution.