Every state with a progressive tax also taxes retirement income
Every state with a progressive tax also taxes retirement income
Illinois could be the next state to tax retirement income if voters approve the progressive income tax in November.
As many as 21,700 restaurants could close permanently from COVID-19 economic fallout
As many as 21,700 restaurants could close permanently from COVID-19 economic fallout
The most optimistic forecast shows 20% of Illinois’ food service business closures will be permanent. But up to 85% of restaurants expect to close permanently.
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 The outdated laws mainly serve fireworks stands in border states.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."