Pritzker’s record budget proposal likely to grow before it’s enacted

By Ravi Mishra

03/11/2026

Almost all of Illinois’ final budgets under Gov. J.B. Pritzker have been larger than first proposed.

Illinois lawmakers again push disguised ‘retirement tax’

By Ravi Mishra

11/21/2025

Illinois voters soundly rejected a progressive state income tax because it was a path to tax retirees. That isn’t stopping state lawmakers from trying again.

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

By Paul Vallas

05/26/2025

As Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker positions himself as the foil to President Donald Trump, a look at his record as governor is telling. What it is telling is not good.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, jobs, taxes

Illinois’ opaque budget process drives mismanagement, harms taxpayers

By Lauren Zuar

05/23/2025

Despite Illinois law setting clear budget rules, lawmakers routinely fast-track last-minute, backroom deals, keeping voters and other legislators in the dark.

Illinois governors abuse budget projections, leaving taxpayers damaged

By FJ Hilgart

03/31/2025

Illinois lawmakers can’t budget responsibly if they don’t know how much they have. Governors have a history of fudging the numbers to get what they want.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

What you need to know about whether Chicago Teachers Union will strike in April

By Mailee Smith

01/30/2025

The Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools entered the “fact finding” phase of negotiations in January 2025. Here’s what that means, whether Chicago students might be out of class, when and what it all could do to taxpayers.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

3 ways a ‘millionaire tax’ would hurt Illinois

By Matheus Cosso

10/29/2024

Illinois voters on Nov. 5 will be asked whether they favor a “millionaire tax.” Here are three things to know about it: the tax can be easily avoided, it fails to provide stable revenue and it discourages or limits economic growth.

Illinois may take on massive public pension boost with no clue on costs

By Bryce Hill

04/23/2024

Several bills that enhance Tier 2 state worker pension benefits, reduce retirement ages, allow for large end-of-career lump-sum payments and other pension sweeteners are moving through the Illinois General Assembly. They appear to be heading for a vote.

Pritzker plans to keep $45 your family should be taking off state taxes

By Patrick Andriesen

03/07/2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed reduction of Illinois’ standard income tax exemption would increase taxes for over 11 million individuals. Some state leaders warn the effective tax hike would hit working families hardest.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

What you need to know about who’s running for Chicago mayor

By Joe Tabor, Perry Zhao

02/18/2023

Nine candidates are asking to be Chicago’s next mayor. The election is outside the normal election cycle, meaning voter turnout is low despite the mayor’s impact on crime, education, the economy and Chicagoans’ taxes. Here’s what to know about the nine candidates.

TAGS: Chicago

Pat Quinn

Pritzker’s record budget proposal likely to grow before it’s enacted

Illinois lawmakers again push disguised ‘retirement tax’

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

Illinois’ opaque budget process drives mismanagement, harms taxpayers

Illinois governors abuse budget projections, leaving taxpayers damaged

What you need to know about whether Chicago Teachers Union will strike in April

3 ways a ‘millionaire tax’ would hurt Illinois

Illinois may take on massive public pension boost with no clue on costs

Pritzker plans to keep $45 your family should be taking off state taxes

What you need to know about who’s running for Chicago mayor

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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