Ald. Ed Burke has long been criticized for operating a lucrative law business in the politically clouted world of Cook County property tax appeals, a world in which the speaker of the Illinois House of Representative continues to make money.
Illinois has a higher percentage of its residents on food stamps than its neighboring states, and has seen a much slower decline in food stamp recipients following the recession.
Chicago’s mayor wants permission from Springfield to impose a new tax on high-end professional services and raise taxes on pricier home sales, as the city faces down a $1 billion deficit.
Government employees under Madigan’s watch were made to feel accountable to lobbyists, political campaign staff and other outside interests. Not the public.
Station owners said Illinois businesses were damaged July 1 when the gasoline tax doubled. Tax increases are keeping Illinois pumps quiet and cooling cigarette sales.
More than 9,000 Illinois school district administrators earn more than $100,000 a year. Each of them will collect at least $3 million in pension benefits during retirement.
Without reforms that level the playing field between the public and private sectors, the cost of Illinois’ public sector workers will continue to damage the state’s labor market, economy and taxpayers.
“Crime-free housing” ordinances have clearly gone too far. And Illinoisans shouldn’t feel like unwanted guests in their own homes.
Chicago is tied with two other cities for the highest sales tax rates for a major U.S. city, adding another superlative for taxation of residents and visitors.
“Revolving door” laws are intended to stop state lawmakers from getting private jobs after granting political favors. Illinois is one of the few states that does little to curb the practice.