Paul Vallas: Chicagoans will pay for Brandon Johnson’s ‘tax the rich’ agenda

By Paul Vallas

10/22/2026

Residents would face higher taxes and fees under his proposed budget.

Johnson proposes record budget for Chicago with $427 million in higher taxes and fees and $231 million in one-time revenues

By Bryce Hill

10/21/2026

The $17.6 billion proposal relies primarily on hikes to close a projected $882.4 million Corporate Fund deficit.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

More than 10,000 bills. Only 32 provided a cost estimate.

By Lilly Rossi

09/14/2026

Lawmakers filed more than 10,000 bills in the 104th Illinois General Assembly. Of those, nearly 6,860 could have unknown costs for taxpayers.

A look at bond referendums for voters in four school districts

By Jessica Rehberg

08/18/2026

Voters in school districts in St. Charles, Algonquin, Oswego and downstate Mahomet-Seymour will decide whether to approve borrowing for facility improvements.

TAGS: public schools

Pritzker’s record: He added $300 million last year to Chicago pension woes

By Adam Gorcyca

08/14/2026

The governor signed a sweetener for city police and firefighters that’s estimated to add over $11 billion in accrued liabilities by 2055.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Who should pay for new sports stadiums?

By Lilly Rossi

07/28/2026

As teams in Chicago and elsewhere pursue new venues and entertainment districts, lawmakers face renewed questions about public financing.

Proposed toll hikes would cost drivers $17 billion in next 15 years

By Bryce Hill

07/27/2026

You still have time to tell the Illinois Tollway board to reject the increases.

Illinois teacher pensions 7th-worst funded in U.S.

By Jessica Rehberg

07/14/2026

Despite record high contributions from the state, the Teachers’ Retirement System has less than 50 cents on hand for every dollar owed.

Tollway board could approve largest passenger hike in state history, automatic increases with one vote

By Patrick Andriesen

07/13/2026

The proposal would raise tolls Jan. 1, with inflation-linked increases every two years after that.

TAGS: Illinois Tollway

Illinois’ financial transparency ranks among worst in the nation

By Jessica Rehberg

06/29/2026

The state ranked 46th in a recent report, getting only 51 out of 100 points.

Public finance

Paul Vallas: Chicagoans will pay for Brandon Johnson’s ‘tax the rich’ agenda

Johnson proposes record budget for Chicago with $427 million in higher taxes and fees and $231 million in one-time revenues

More than 10,000 bills. Only 32 provided a cost estimate.

A look at bond referendums for voters in four school districts

Pritzker’s record: He added $300 million last year to Chicago pension woes

Who should pay for new sports stadiums?

Proposed toll hikes would cost drivers $17 billion in next 15 years

Illinois teacher pensions 7th-worst funded in U.S.

Tollway board could approve largest passenger hike in state history, automatic increases with one vote

Illinois’ financial transparency ranks among worst in the nation

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and how can it benefit Illinois students?

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students