Brigette Barber
Brigette Barber
“We pretty much did what we had to do to survive.”
Madigan begins collecting $7,093-a-month public pension
Madigan begins collecting $7,093-a-month public pension
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will collect $85,000 a year, but in a little more than a year his pension will shoot up to nearly $150,000 a year.
Pritzker’s Easter basket
Pritzker’s Easter basket
Biden corporate tax plan would push Illinois rates to No. 5
Biden corporate tax plan would push Illinois rates to No. 5
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.
Bill would match Illinois spending to what taxpayers can afford
Bill would match Illinois spending to what taxpayers can afford
A bipartisan ‘spending cap’ bill would allow predictable, sustainable growth in state spending without tax hikes. Illinois is one of the few states without a similar fiscal restraint.
Former state senator, ComEd lobbyist faces tax fraud indictment
Former state senator, ComEd lobbyist faces tax fraud indictment
A former Illinois state senator was charged with federal income tax crimes. Her Senate financial disclosure statement shows why they are known as ‘none’ sheets. Reforms are needed.
Political operative for Ald. Burke, Sen. Sandoval charged with lying to FBI
Political operative for Ald. Burke, Sen. Sandoval charged with lying to FBI
A longtime political operative for Chicago Ald. Ed Burke and the late state Sen. Martin Sandoval was charged with lying to the FBI about bribes.
Marijuana company investigated for pay to play? Hired Madigan cronies.
Marijuana company investigated for pay to play? Hired Madigan cronies.
A Chicago-based marijuana company is facing a federal investigation into whether it bought influence to gain state licenses, sources told the Chicago Tribune. It hired four close associates of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.
Too many government units means property taxes are too high in Illinois
Too many government units means property taxes are too high in Illinois
A bill to eliminate some of Illinois’ 1,400 townships is on hold, but state lawmakers could revive it and give voters the power to reduce their property tax bills.
Bill would have stopped campaign fund use to settle sexual harassment suits
Bill would have stopped campaign fund use to settle sexual harassment suits
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan spent nearly $900,000 in campaign funds to fight a sexual harassment lawsuit. A bill would stop lawmakers from using donations to settle harassment claims.
35% of Illinois’ small businesses are closed a year into COVID-19 restrictions
35% of Illinois’ small businesses are closed a year into COVID-19 restrictions
More small businesses have closed in Illinois than in any other Midwestern state, except Michigan. Taxing them more as they struggle is the wrong move.
Illinois’ boatload of pension debt
Illinois’ boatload of pension debt
Illinois is one of few states with ‘Death Tax.’ Bill would make it highest in U.S.
Illinois is one of few states with ‘Death Tax.’ Bill would make it highest in U.S.
Increasing the estate tax would hurt family farms and businesses, drive wealth and investment out of Illinois. Most states are ending their ‘death taxes.’
What Kane County voters need to know to vote early or by mail before April 6
What Kane County voters need to know to vote early or by mail before April 6
Kane County voters have calendar dates to watch if they are voting early or by mail ahead of the April 6 election. Here’s what they need to know.