Lightfoot must pursue pension reform, reasonable labor contracts to fix Chicago’s budget
Lightfoot must pursue pension reform, reasonable labor contracts to fix Chicago’s budget
Persistent budget deficits, enormous and growing pension obligations, a high debt burden and labor contract negotiations all await Lori Lightfoot as she settles into office.
By Bill Reveille
Pension costs push Metro East property taxes up, as population shrinks
Pension costs push Metro East property taxes up, as population shrinks
Residents in Illinois’ Metro East area are fleeing a growing property tax burden, fueling regional population loss.
20 tax and fee hikes totaling $4.6 billion coming soon for Illinoisans
20 tax and fee hikes totaling $4.6 billion coming soon for Illinoisans
The Illinois General Assembly and governor devised 20 different ways to take more money from taxpayers to finance spending on government operations and infrastructure.
By Adam Schuster
Lightfoot calls for independent commission to redraw Chicago’s 50 wards
Lightfoot calls for independent commission to redraw Chicago’s 50 wards
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot voiced support for establishing a fair mapmaking process in Chicago ahead of the 2020 census.
Despite tax hikes, Illinois fails to balance budget for 19th year in a row
Despite tax hikes, Illinois fails to balance budget for 19th year in a row
Band-Aid fixes and spending-heavy compromises were rampant. And now it’s all coming home to roost.
By Austin Berg
Illinois gas tax will double in July, then likely rise nearly a penny a year
Illinois gas tax will double in July, then likely rise nearly a penny a year
The state gas tax is projected to automatically increase 130% by 2025, without lawmaker approval. That’s almost 25 cents more on a gallon of gas.
No. 2 New Jersey confronts pension crisis as No. 1 Illinois dithers
No. 2 New Jersey confronts pension crisis as No. 1 Illinois dithers
The New Jersey Senate president is proposing solutions to the state’s pension problem. Illinois is worse off, but state leaders remain silent on reforms.
What you need to know about Illinois’ gambling expansion
What you need to know about Illinois’ gambling expansion
Answers to frequently asked questions about new casinos and sports betting in Illinois.
Pritzker signs Illinois budget out of balance by up to $1.3 billion
Pritzker signs Illinois budget out of balance by up to $1.3 billion
Contrary to claims from both Republicans and Democrats, and despite raising nearly $1.1 billion in new taxes and fees for operations, the fiscal year 2020 budget is out of balance by between $574 million and $1.3 billion.
By Adam Schuster
Regulatory confusion swipes frozen pizzas off local pub counters
Regulatory confusion swipes frozen pizzas off local pub counters
Revisions to state food safety regulations have forced some local pubs to ditch their toaster ovens.