With statewide elections in November, the 2018 forecast calls for gridlock.

While effective property tax rates might be on the decline in some communities, census data show Illinois families are seeing a larger share of their household budgets eaten up by property tax bills.

Illinois’ school district debt and unfair government union bargaining laws contribute to the state’s massive property taxes.

Village board members passed a 5 percent increase in the village’s property tax levy to make increased payments to police and fire pension funds.