Burke steps down from property tax appeals business, Madigan remains
Burke steps down from property tax appeals business, Madigan remains
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.
By Austin Berg
Illinois is more dependent on food stamps than any other neighboring state
Illinois is more dependent on food stamps than any other neighboring state
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.
Lightfoot looks to Springfield for more taxing power on high-end services, home sales
Lightfoot looks to Springfield for more taxing power on high-end services, home sales
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.
By Vincent Caruso
Culture of harassment, bullying in Madigan’s office detailed in probe
Culture of harassment, bullying in Madigan’s office detailed in probe
Government employees under Madigan’s watch were made to feel accountable to lobbyists, political campaign staff and other outside interests. Not the public.
By Austin Berg
Doubled gas tax creates losers in Illinois, winners across state lines
Doubled gas tax creates losers in Illinois, winners across state lines
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.
By Brad Weisenstein
Cost of Illinois’ education bureaucracy crowds out classroom spending
Cost of Illinois’ education bureaucracy crowds out classroom spending
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.
By Adam Schuster
How Illinois families can face eviction for crimes they didn’t commit
How Illinois families can face eviction for crimes they didn’t commit
“Crime-free housing” ordinances have clearly gone too far. And Illinoisans shouldn’t feel like unwanted guests in their own homes.
By Austin Berg
Chicago defends title of highest sales tax rate in the nation
Chicago defends title of highest sales tax rate in the nation
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.
Illinois one of 11 states that lets departing lawmakers immediately become lobbyists
Illinois one of 11 states that lets departing lawmakers immediately become lobbyists
“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.