School districts across the state raise property tax levies

By Brendan Bakala

12/23/2017

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

TAGS: municipal pensions, pensions, property taxes, school district consolidation

Stocking full of coal: Illinois shrinkage poses major problems

By Austin Berg

12/21/2017

The continuing erosion of Illinois’ tax base is the state’s most pressing budget problem.

TAGS: income tax, outmigration, property taxes, taxes, U.S. Census Bureau

Mundelein passes property tax hike to pay for pensions

By Brendan Bakala

12/20/2017

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.

TAGS: municipal pensions, pensions, property taxes

Census: Illinois loses title of 5th-largest state to Pennsylvania

By Austin Berg

12/20/2017

Census data released Dec. 20 show the Land of Lincoln is no longer the fifth-largest state in the U.S.

TAGS: outmigration, Pennsylvania, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Bad Santa: Illinois’ ‘sin taxes’ among the highest in the country

By Vincent Caruso

12/19/2017

Despite diminishing returns, the Prairie State has yet to kick its excise tax habit.

TAGS: alcohol tax, amusement tax, cigarette tax, taxes

Elmhurst City Council OKs property tax hike for pensions

By Brendan Bakala

12/13/2017

The Chicago suburb’s decision to raise the levy will result in a 3.1 percent hike in the city’s portion of property tax bills, marking the first such increase in four years.

TAGS: municipal pensions, pensions, property taxes

Forgotten Illinois: Aurora

12/08/2017

Two sides, one city.

TAGS: Aurora, Caterpillar, East Aurora High School, forgotten illinois, manufacturing, Richard Irvin, small business, West Aurora High School

Building fairness and opportunity: The effects of repealing Illinois’ prevailing wage law

By Orphe Divounguy

12/07/2017

Illinois’ Prevailing Wage Act has no place in the 21st century. Policymakers should enact fair and competitive construction laws that give all individuals who are willing to work a fighting chance.

Illinoisans see less income after taxes than residents of all neighboring states

By Orphe Divounguy

10/23/2017

Illinoisans saw more than 30 percent of their income go to income taxes and property taxes from March 2015 to March 2016 – a higher share than residents of every bordering state.

TAGS: income tax, personal income, property taxes

Decatur is Illinois’ fastest-shrinking city since 2010

By Brendan Bakala

10/09/2017

Decatur lost 3,400 residents from 2010 to 2016, or about 4.5 percent of its population.

TAGS: Decatur, outmigration, population, U.S. Census Bureau

United States Census Bureau

School districts across the state raise property tax levies

Stocking full of coal: Illinois shrinkage poses major problems

Mundelein passes property tax hike to pay for pensions

Census: Illinois loses title of 5th-largest state to Pennsylvania

Bad Santa: Illinois’ ‘sin taxes’ among the highest in the country

Elmhurst City Council OKs property tax hike for pensions

Forgotten Illinois: Aurora

Building fairness and opportunity: The effects of repealing Illinois’ prevailing wage law

Illinoisans see less income after taxes than residents of all neighboring states

Decatur is Illinois’ fastest-shrinking city since 2010

Who Lives Below the Poverty Line in Illinois? Family Structure and Education Mark the Highest Risk

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students