The proposed Illinois budget gives money to NASCAR and PGA as lawmakers weigh a Bears stadium tax break, putting taxpayers on the hook for private sports costs.

They are signaling a willingness to raise taxes as the May 31 deadline quickly approaches.

Chicago Public Schools borrowed over $1.8 billion amid a delay in last year’s Cook County bills, adding interest costs and exposing the fragility of the district’s finances.

A federal judge found Cook County liable for damages to taxpayers who lost the equity in their homes because of an unconstitutional state law.

The amount of state and local taxes paid here also is near the nation’s highest.

The governor has presided over $77 billion in increases while Illinois’ economic growth lags.