Residents in Madison and St. Clair counties find themselves fleeced by lawmakers' failure to control state finances.

The holiday season is a time for giving. And, by the time Illinoisans complete their shopping, they’ll have given plenty – to state and local governments.

Statewide use of slush funds ensures it’s Christmas every day for political leaders and their chosen developers.

Twenty school districts in the Metro East rely on the state for 30 percent or more of their total revenue.

Illinoisans can take a look at their paystubs and notice the state decided to hike their income tax bill by 32 percent.

As property tax bills land in mailboxes in Madison and St. Clair counties, TIF districts sap local tax dollars.

Property taxes are set to increase in Madison and St. Clair counties, and local taxpayers should know that through TIF districts, politicians divert tax dollars that could go toward schools, libraries and public services to separate accounts that foster a lack of transparency and accountability.