Sales tax increase to pay for CTA, Metra, Pace problems

By Lilly Rossi

07/29/2026

A sales tax increase for the Regional Transportation Authority, soon to replaced by ]the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, goes into effect Aug. 1.

Illinois sales taxes near top in U.S.

By Adam Gorcyca

07/28/2026

Chicago will have one of the highest big-city rates in the country when the transit tax inches up Aug. 1.

Toll and sales tax hikes: What Pritzker said vs. what Pritzker did

By Rich Witzel

07/16/2026

The governor said Illinoisans wouldn’t be interested in a toll increase to keep the Bears. Then he signaled support for what would be the largest passenger toll hike in state history.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois suspending gas tax hike, sweep $150M sales taxes

By Todd J. Behme

05/31/2026

Lawmakers plan to stop the automatic gas tax increase for six months but plan to use an unexpected $150 million in sales tax from high gas prices to balance the budget rather than benefit taxpayers.

TAGS: budget, gas tax

Will new state budget skirt law meant to protect transportation money?

By Joe Tabor

05/29/2026

Year after year the state budget has diverted money meant for transportation to pay the bills. It’s a good bet the fiscal 2027 budget will do it again.

Illinois combined state, local tax rate tops the country

By Brennan Park

05/13/2026

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

Chicago’s high sales taxes about to increase to No. 1 in nation

By Ravi Mishra

11/11/2025

Chicago-area sales taxes were already No. 2 in the U.S., but new taxing authority handed to the Regional Transportation Authority will raise them to No. 1.

Peoria Heights mayor vetoes grocery tax as Chicago considers it

By Brad Weisenstein

09/16/2025

Peoria Heights’ mayor vetoed a grocery tax, saying the village would not balance its budget on the backs of families at the grocery checkout. Now Chicago is considering taking $73.5 million through the tax.

TAGS: Chicago, grocery tax, taxes

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

Transparency Reveals 77% East Dundee Budget Growth

04/02/2010

In 2007, East Dundee Budget was $3,961,411. In 2009, the Village

Sales tax

Sales tax increase to pay for CTA, Metra, Pace problems

Illinois sales taxes near top in U.S.

Toll and sales tax hikes: What Pritzker said vs. what Pritzker did

Illinois suspending gas tax hike, sweep $150M sales taxes

Will new state budget skirt law meant to protect transportation money?

Illinois combined state, local tax rate tops the country

Chicago’s high sales taxes about to increase to No. 1 in nation

Peoria Heights mayor vetoes grocery tax as Chicago considers it

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

Transparency Reveals 77% East Dundee Budget Growth

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