Chicago alderman wants ‘robot tax’ on Amazon HQ2
Chicago alderman wants ‘robot tax’ on Amazon HQ2
Amazon pulled its HQ2 out of New York City, so Chicago is considering imposing a “robot tax” on companies looking to automate their way around high labor costs.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois House bill would close judicial elections loophole
Illinois House bill would close judicial elections loophole
A legal tactic intended to make it easier for Illinois judges to stay on the bench is under fire. An Illinois House bill aims to close the loophole, which four southwestern Illinois judges used in bids to dilute voters’ power.
Report: Chicago area most corrupt in nation
Report: Chicago area most corrupt in nation
Chicagoland and northern Illinois have seen more corrupt public officials put behind bars than any other part of the nation, an analysis found.
By Vincent Caruso
Pritzker ‘fair tax’ could hike taxes on typical Highland Park family by up to $3,800
Pritzker ‘fair tax’ could hike taxes on typical Highland Park family by up to $3,800
Middle-income families in Highland Park would see a massive tax hike under the “fair tax” models praised by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
By Vincent Caruso
Duped: How millions of dollars in AFSCME member dues flow to politics
Duped: How millions of dollars in AFSCME member dues flow to politics
State workers don’t really know much about how AFSCME spent $7.7 million on politics. That’s because records don’t detail and the union’s Illinois chapter obscures how most of the money was used.
By Vincent Caruso
Union worker representation only 20 percent of AFSCME spending in Illinois
Union worker representation only 20 percent of AFSCME spending in Illinois
Federal financial filings from Illinois’ largest government union show only 20 percent of its spending goes toward representing its members.
By Vincent Caruso
Property tax rates nearly double since 2007 as residents leave Harvey, Illinois
Property tax rates nearly double since 2007 as residents leave Harvey, Illinois
Declining home values and a shrinking tax base have created a bigger property tax burden for Harvey, Illinois, homeowners. For their higher taxes, residents get corruption, debt and fewer services.
By Vincent Caruso
Blank check: Illinois lawmakers file progressive income tax amendment
Blank check: Illinois lawmakers file progressive income tax amendment
An amendment to scrap Illinois’ constitutional flat tax protection is gaining sponsors in the Illinois Senate. Lawmakers have refused to discuss rates since those details killed the last progressive tax attempt.
By Adam Schuster
56 Illinois state lawmakers have refused to take a pension
56 Illinois state lawmakers have refused to take a pension
Illinois’ 101st General Assembly can be leaders in pension reform by passing a constitutional amendment that allows for changes to future, unearned benefits.
Moody’s: New taxes could accelerate Illinois exodus
Moody’s: New taxes could accelerate Illinois exodus
Ahead of Gov. Pritzker’s first budget address, one of the “big three” credit rating services warned the new governor against raising taxes.
By Vincent Caruso
Statewide $15 minimum wage hike clears Illinois Senate, advances to House
Statewide $15 minimum wage hike clears Illinois Senate, advances to House
As Pritzker’s minimum wage bill advances to the House, the new administration’s first major victory may come with a $1.1 billion price tag, courtesy of Illinois taxpayers.
By Vincent Caruso
Make no mistake, a progressive tax is a tax hike on you
Make no mistake, a progressive tax is a tax hike on you
Political promises aren’t much protection for middle class pocketbooks.
By Austin Berg