Pritzker fact check: Do most other states really have a ‘fair tax’?
Pritzker fact check: Do most other states really have a ‘fair tax’?
In more than half of progressive tax states, the middle class pays the maximum state income tax rate.
Illinois fireworks ban costing the state jobs, money, independence
Illinois fireworks ban costing the state jobs, money, independence
Independence Day turns many Illinoisans into scofflaws as they ignore rules banning most fireworks. The outdated laws mainly serve fireworks stands in border states.
Illinois state workers receive $1,300 pay raises July 1
Illinois state workers receive $1,300 pay raises July 1
State workers represented by AFSCME Council 31 will see pay increases averaging $1,343 starting July 1. Total cost of the raises is $261 million as COVID-19 continues depleting state revenues.
Illinois tops neighboring states with $10 minimum wage on July 1
Illinois tops neighboring states with $10 minimum wage on July 1
Illinois’ second minimum wage increase this year is part of a plan to hit $15 an hour in 2025. Small businesses face tough decisions on cutting staff or raising prices.
Blame Illinois exodus on jobs, housing, tax policy
Blame Illinois exodus on jobs, housing, tax policy
Census data shows who is fleeing Illinoisans and why. Here’s why you should care.
Automatic state worker pay hikes, gas tax hike coming to Illinois July 1
Automatic state worker pay hikes, gas tax hike coming to Illinois July 1
How fair is it that some of the highest-paid state employees in the nation are getting a raise that must be funded by an economically wounded bunch of taxpayers?
Illinois ranks second-last when it comes to reopening bars and restaurants
Illinois ranks second-last when it comes to reopening bars and restaurants
A study from WalletHub ranks Illinois 50th-most severe on COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants. 233,500 jobs were lost in that sector since February.
Joliet considering citywide salary cuts to ease budget strains
Joliet considering citywide salary cuts to ease budget strains
The city has suffered significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Pensions will further damage city services even as the pandemic fades.
Illinois restaurants, bars take brunt of job losses amid harsh lockdown
Illinois restaurants, bars take brunt of job losses amid harsh lockdown
Unemployment claims remain five times higher than normal, but the nation’s second-harshest restaurant restrictions have hit that job sector hardest.
Illinois treasurer says ‘fair tax’ makes retirement tax more likely
Illinois treasurer says ‘fair tax’ makes retirement tax more likely
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said a progressive state income tax will open the door to taxing retirement income.
COVID-19 economic hit forces Peoria to cut 45 city jobs, offer buyouts
COVID-19 economic hit forces Peoria to cut 45 city jobs, offer buyouts
Peoria’s financial problems grew critical from the coronavirus, but the long-term threat of pension debt will remain even after more severe cuts are made.
Mike Stahulak: Royalty Limousines
Mike Stahulak: Royalty Limousines
“It’s a spider web of things. They don’t realize how much this all affects everything. They don’t realize every July 1st the gas tax goes up. Eventually it’s going to affect my business."
Building better schools: A pro-student, pro-community guide for Illinois school boards
Building better schools: A pro-student, pro-community guide for Illinois school boards
The Illinois Policy Institute has created Building Better Schools: A pro-student, pro-community guide for Illinois school boards, which provides policies in five key areas to assist school board members ensure the best educational and financial outcomes in their districts.
Illinois Supreme Court denies Chicago police union request to destroy misconduct records
Illinois Supreme Court denies Chicago police union request to destroy misconduct records
While Illinois law explicitly states union contracts trump all other state laws, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled a police contract allowing the destruction of disciplinarily records defies public policy and cannot be enforced.