Without pension reform, progressive income tax amendment guarantees tax hikes on Illinois’ middle class
Without pension reform, progressive income tax amendment guarantees tax hikes on Illinois’ middle class
The current progressive income tax proposal would fail to pay down the state's unfunded liability while damaging Illinois' economy.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
House committee approves Pritzker progressive tax amendment
House committee approves Pritzker progressive tax amendment
The Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would scrap taxpayers’ sole protection against endless income tax hikes.
By Vincent Caruso
The Windy City blows away your holiday travel dollars
The Windy City blows away your holiday travel dollars
Illinois stands above its peers when it comes to taxing residents. But Chicago makes it really something to behold when visitors see that famous skyline with all its tall taxes.
By Brad Weisenstein
Chicago’s new mayor inherits taxpayers facing biggest public debts of nation’s top 10 cities
Chicago’s new mayor inherits taxpayers facing biggest public debts of nation’s top 10 cities
Each Chicago taxpayer is on the hook for $119,110 worth of unfunded state, city, county and other local government debt. Many of the pensions driving those debts become Lori Lightfoot’s problem on Monday.
Bipartisan township consolidation bill heads to Pritzker’s desk
Bipartisan township consolidation bill heads to Pritzker’s desk
Former Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for McHenry County residents to consolidate their townships. Renewed bipartisan support has sent it back to the governor’s desk, now occupied by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Pritzker capital plan would double Illinois gas tax, hike vehicle registration fees, create new taxes on Uber and Netflix
Pritzker capital plan would double Illinois gas tax, hike vehicle registration fees, create new taxes on Uber and Netflix
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office is using a major capital bill as a vehicle to grease lawmakers for a progressive income tax amendment. But the tax hikes to pay for it would make Illinoisans’ gas tax burden the second highest in the nation.
By Austin Berg
Illinois’ wealthiest bureaucrats want this bill dead
Illinois’ wealthiest bureaucrats want this bill dead
There should be no compromise with those who are looking out for their own bottom line above the good of the state.
By Austin Berg
More than 130 six-figure school district administrators oppose education efficiency bill
More than 130 six-figure school district administrators oppose education efficiency bill
An Illinois House bill that would allow more education funding dollars reach the classroom before getting trapped in administration has earned support from both parties – and the opposition of administrators.
‘Fair tax’ backers’ own data show progressive income tax hikes harm middle class the most
‘Fair tax’ backers’ own data show progressive income tax hikes harm middle class the most
An advocacy group backing Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “fair tax” plan has argued a progressive income tax hike won’t affect middle-class Illinoisans. But its most recent report shows a middle-class tax hit is likely.
By Vincent Caruso
Southwest Illinois county faces property tax hike, layoffs amid rising pension costs
Southwest Illinois county faces property tax hike, layoffs amid rising pension costs
Perry County is home to the DuQuoin State Fair, but the prize hog is a pension system eating money needed for public safety and other core services. County employees face layoffs.
By Brad Weisenstein