Crowding out: Chicago pension fund demands intercept of state grant money
Crowding out: Chicago pension fund demands intercept of state grant money
The Chicago firefighters pension fund has filed claims with the Illinois comptroller for $3.3 million in shorted pension contributions, an action that could worsen city finances and service delivery.
By Adam Schuster
Illinois development authority ends payments to official’s side business following Institute investigation
Illinois development authority ends payments to official’s side business following Institute investigation
Lax oversight of Illinois’ little-known regional development authorities has led to questionable business arrangements with one official in particular.
By Austin Berg
Adan and Cynthia Villafranca
Adan and Cynthia Villafranca
“My parents came [to the United States] in 1969. I grew up in the Chicago area. “When Cynthia and I got engaged, we started home searching. We wanted a place ready to go. “I knew nothing about [the cost of] homeownership until I started to home search. I was looking in Oak Lawn, Oak Forest,...
High-risk real estate investments cost Chicago pension funds $54M, win fund managers $9M
High-risk real estate investments cost Chicago pension funds $54M, win fund managers $9M
A real estate investment deal arranged by a firm that employed former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s nephew has dealt a blow to Chicago’s cash-strapped pension funds, underscoring the need for a 401(k)-style alternative.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois’ income growth second-worst in the nation
Illinois’ income growth second-worst in the nation
Amid two record-breaking income tax hikes, growing property tax bills and population decline, the Land of Lincoln’s income growth is trailing the rest of the nation.
By Vincent Caruso
State lawmaker falsely claims progressive tax ‘not mine to vote for’
State lawmaker falsely claims progressive tax ‘not mine to vote for’
At least one lawmaker is attempting to avoid responsibility for one of the most important policy issues in the state.
By Chris Lentino
Is this the most toxic tax in Illinois politics?
Is this the most toxic tax in Illinois politics?
One wonders how many times an unpopular idea must be knocked down before it rises back from the dead. Especially when it means more money for the state. And especially in Illinois.
By Austin Berg
What goes up must come down: Why Illinois is ill-prepared for the next recession
What goes up must come down: Why Illinois is ill-prepared for the next recession
Poor public policy and inefficient government mean Illinois will struggle to provide relief for residents in need during the next downturn.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
County referendum would raise Springfield sales tax burden to among nation’s highest
County referendum would raise Springfield sales tax burden to among nation’s highest
A proposed 1 percent sales tax for school facilities improvements would bring the city of Springfield’s combined sales tax rate to 9.75 percent – among the highest in the nation.
By Janelle Cammenga
One of Illinois’ top tax credit recipients to shutter 1,000-employee HQ
One of Illinois’ top tax credit recipients to shutter 1,000-employee HQ
Illinois issued more than $60 million in EDGE tax credits to Takeda Pharmaceuticals from 2003 to 2013, more than any other company received over that time.
By Austin Berg
2 Chicago police officers accepted $13K in bribes in alleged ‘kickback’ scheme
2 Chicago police officers accepted $13K in bribes in alleged ‘kickback’ scheme
The officers are facing federal charges for their alleged role in a kickback scheme involving an attorney referral service seeking information on traffic crashes.
By Vincent Caruso