Illinois Forward 2023: Only pension, budget reform can save taxpayers when federal aid ends

01/30/2022

Published Jan. 30, 2022

Holiday travel comes with hefty price for Illinois gas

By Dylan Sharkey

12/17/2021

About one-third more people will be on the road this holiday season. For Illinoisans, the gas to get home for the holidays will be pricey.

TAGS: gas tax, Illinois

Springfield’s Bad Santas can’t break their sin tax habits

By Dylan Sharkey

12/13/2021

Taxing people’s bad habits is a tough way to raise reliable revenue, but Illinois keeps trying to do just that.

TAGS: Illinois, sin taxes

Chicago ranks No. 2 in the nation for combined state and local sales tax

By Patrick Andriesen

08/31/2021

The Windy City tied with four other major cities as imposing the nation’s second highest sales tax on residents among 124 considered. The report warns the city’s new status could be costing Chicago businesses their competitive edge.

TAGS: Chicago, taxes

Higher revenue leads to tax cuts in 11 states, but not Illinois

By Perry Zhao

08/25/2021

State revenue losses around the country have ranged from far less than expected to non-existent. Fiscally healthy states are giving back to taxpayers. That doesn’t include Illinois.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, taxes

Illinois infrastructure ranks high, but state finances pose big threat

By Noah Shaar

07/21/2021

With an abundance of freight lines and roadways, along with a reliable power grid, Illinois placed No. 1 in the U.S. for infrastructure. But state finances are a threat, and political pork needs to give way to projects that move the most people and goods.

TAGS: Illinois, infrastructure, spending

Illinois state, local sales taxes rank 7th in U.S.

By Noah Shaar

07/17/2021

Illinoisans pay one of the highest sales tax rates in the nation when local and state sales taxes are averaged. The average rate of 8.83% was up slightly from a year earlier.

TAGS: Illinois, sales tax

Fireworks ban makes outlaws out of Illinoisans on Independence Day

By Patrick Andriesen

06/25/2021

For nearly 80 years, Illinoisans have voted against the state fireworks ban by crossing state lines each July to buy fireworks, despite threatened penalties. The state is now one of four nationwide to prohibit celebrating Independence Day with fireworks.

TAGS: fireworks ban, Illinois, Independence Day

Bill could help Illinois businesses recovering from pandemic restrictions

By Justin Carlson

06/22/2021

State lawmakers passed a bill allowing local governments to waive licensing fees and registration costs for businesses harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it won’t spare them from state taxes.

TAGS: COVID-19, fees, Illinois, permits, small business

Biden corporate tax plan would push Illinois rates to No. 5

04/02/2021

Combine the corporate tax rate President Joe Biden wants to fund his infrastructure plan with Illinois’ tax, and the resulting rate would be 35.4% – fifth highest in the nation and second in the Midwest.

TAGS: corporate income tax, COVID-19, JB Pritzker, Joe Biden, small business

Tax Foundation

Illinois Forward 2023: Only pension, budget reform can save taxpayers when federal aid ends

Holiday travel comes with hefty price for Illinois gas

Springfield’s Bad Santas can’t break their sin tax habits

Chicago ranks No. 2 in the nation for combined state and local sales tax

Higher revenue leads to tax cuts in 11 states, but not Illinois

Illinois infrastructure ranks high, but state finances pose big threat

Illinois state, local sales taxes rank 7th in U.S.

Fireworks ban makes outlaws out of Illinoisans on Independence Day

Bill could help Illinois businesses recovering from pandemic restrictions

Biden corporate tax plan would push Illinois rates to No. 5

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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