What to expect as lawmakers rush to pass 2026 budget
What to expect as lawmakers rush to pass 2026 budget
State lawmakers have given themselves until May 31 to pass the state’s upcoming budget, here’s what might be included.
Pritzker grows state spending most among past 5 Illinois governors
Pritzker grows state spending most among past 5 Illinois governors
Gov. J.B. Pritzker increased Illinois’ state spending more during his first six state budgets than any other state leader in terms of raw dollars since Gov. George Ryan, who took office more than 25 years ago.
Allan Luzbetak
Allan Luzbetak
Allan Luzbetak has lived in the Lockport, Illinois area for decades; but concerns over rising property taxes could push him out of the state as he enters retirement. He explains his disappointment with community leaders’ approach to spending, and why it tempts so many people in situations like his to leave the state. “I’ve lived...
Illinois cities should learn from Rockford when it comes to spending
Illinois cities should learn from Rockford when it comes to spending
Since 2017, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara has cut the property tax rate to 1.93% by cutting costs and spending smarter – a playbook other Illinois cities should copy.
Lawmakers should look outside of Springfield when choosing a fiscal watchdog
Lawmakers should look outside of Springfield when choosing a fiscal watchdog
Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino is retiring after a 10-year term of monitoring public spending. The scrutiny his own campaign spending drew should have lawmakers rethink how they choose his replacement.
Illinois’ corporate tax already too high, but Springfield pushes for more
Illinois’ corporate tax already too high, but Springfield pushes for more
If Illinois state lawmakers follow the Chicago Teachers Union’s push for a 7.92% base corporate tax rate, it can severely hurt Illinois’ competitiveness. Job creators do not need another reason to abandon Illinois.
Batinick: Enrollment falls across Illinois universities, but prices keep climbing
Batinick: Enrollment falls across Illinois universities, but prices keep climbing
Illinois’ university system is losing students to other states as prices per student top the nation. The system and its funding need an overhaul, but state leaders instead are considering letting community colleges create even more competition.
State board of education recommends lowering student proficiency standards
State board of education recommends lowering student proficiency standards
Illinois students are struggling to meet proficiency standards on state assessments. Instead of working to improve student learning, the state wants to lower standards to hide the crisis.
U.S. House passes federal school choice program, moves to Senate
U.S. House passes federal school choice program, moves to Senate
The Educational Choice for Children Act continues to progress after it was included in the budget reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House on May 22. It is cause for hope for 15,000 low-income Illinois students who lost their private-school scholarships in 2023.
No degree? No problem. Chicago expanding access to work
No degree? No problem. Chicago expanding access to work
A new Chicago ordinance will remove college degree requirements for most city jobs. The measure breaks down employment barriers for disadvantaged groups and opens new pathways to prosperity.
Pritzker: Secret tax hikes
Pritzker: Secret tax hikes
Only 4 states tax services by default, but Illinois may join them
Only 4 states tax services by default, but Illinois may join them
Adding sales taxes to services is limited in the U.S., with 46 states not generally taxing services. Illinois may break from the pack and start adding sales taxes to haircuts, lawn care, car repair and a long list of other service expected to cost $2.7 billion.
Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.
Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.
As Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker positions himself as the foil to President Donald Trump, a look at his record as governor is telling. What it is telling is not good.
Pritzker preps for presidential run carrying weight of Illinois failures
Pritzker preps for presidential run carrying weight of Illinois failures
Outcomes for Illinoisans have dropped since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office. The nation’s Democrats need to see where he’s taken Illinois before following his lead on the national stage.