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.
Nearly 40% of education spending consumed by pension costs
Nearly 40% of education spending consumed by pension costs
Growing pension costs for retired educators are quickly crowding the classroom out of Illinois budgets.
By Adam Schuster
New law empowers McHenry County voters to consolidate townships
New law empowers McHenry County voters to consolidate townships
A new law relaxes requirements for McHenry County voters looking to dissolve their townships by referendum, clearing a path toward greater efficiency, less waste and lower property taxes.
Lake in the Hills approves over 9% hike to police pension levy
Lake in the Hills approves over 9% hike to police pension levy
The village will dedicate an estimated $1.5 million dollars to its police pension fund in 2019 – 9.17% more than it paid last year.
New Illinois law ends $120 fee to clear false criminal records in Cook County
New Illinois law ends $120 fee to clear false criminal records in Cook County
A bill signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker will renew a pilot program in Cook County that waives fees for the expungement or sealing of criminal records for those who have been wrongfully accused of a crime.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois city aims to oust little girl’s lemonade stand
Illinois city aims to oust little girl’s lemonade stand
llinois has a reputation for making business harder than it needs to be for entrepreneurs across the state.
By Austin Berg
Pritzker promises over $10B in new spending on $3.7B progressive tax hike
Pritzker promises over $10B in new spending on $3.7B progressive tax hike
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “fair tax” plan falls far short of the revenue needed to pay for his spending promises – feeding fears of future tax hikes on middle-class families.
By Adam Schuster
Cook County home values down 31%, property taxes up 22% since 2007
Cook County home values down 31%, property taxes up 22% since 2007
Without true pension reform, property taxes are only bound to continue swamping Cook County homeowners.
By Bryce Hill
Will County weighs new 4- to 8-cent countywide gas tax atop doubled Illinois tax
Will County weighs new 4- to 8-cent countywide gas tax atop doubled Illinois tax
County leaders may exercise new taxing authority from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s capital plan. Illinois already doubled its portion of the gas tax, pushing the total burden to No. 3 in nation.
By Vincent Caruso