Single-family homeowners in Rock Island County pay an average property tax bill above $2,800, according to a new report.

Protecting taxpayers by ensuring they’re getting a state government they can afford? That’s friendly.

Sangamon County billed homeowners $215 million in 2017. This meant owners of a $127,000 Springfield home had a $2,600 property tax bill.

The state has chosen to coddle some big businesses while punishing the small.

A number of state and local lawmakers in Illinois practice property tax appeals litigation. But a pair of bills recently filed in the General Assembly would end their ability to benefit at the expense of taxpayers.

A potential 2 percent dine-in tax imposed on Springfield restaurants has yet to be introduced, but the idea - which other towns have tried - is not a welcome one.