Shawn Strach
Shawn Strach
“I’ve been a realtor for 15 years and we’ve always had people leave the state and retire, but now we’re having not just the empty nesters or the retirees leaving, we’re having our traditional marketplace leave Illinois as well. “My career has been spent in the entry-level market up to about $500,000. We have always...
Senate passes bill restricting ‘golden parachutes’ for government officials
Senate passes bill restricting ‘golden parachutes’ for government officials
The Government Severance Pay Act would spare taxpayers the burden of providing excessive severance payouts to outgoing public officials.
By Vincent Caruso
As Macon County shrinks, property tax rates grow
As Macon County shrinks, property tax rates grow
With countywide population dipping, remaining taxpayers in Macon County are being left with an ever-increasing property tax bill.
Mundelein spends more than $300K on welcome signs
Mundelein spends more than $300K on welcome signs
The Lake County village will tap into its savings account to help cover the costs.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois’ metro areas shed 3,600 jobs in March
Illinois’ metro areas shed 3,600 jobs in March
Seven metro areas across the state lost jobs over the month.
By Bryce Hill
East St. Louis police and fire pension fund crises risk state intervention
East St. Louis police and fire pension fund crises risk state intervention
East St. Louis’ police and fire pension funds experienced large funding shortfalls in 2016, putting the city at risk of revenue garnishment from the state comptroller’s office.
By Brendan Bakala
Bill to rein in state health care costs killed in the Senate
Bill to rein in state health care costs killed in the Senate
Senate Democrats killed a chance this week to rein in government spending, instead siding with government unions that prioritize their own power over the fiscal health of the state. Illinois taxpayers pay nearly $15,000 per state worker in health care costs alone under the most recent contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
By Mailee Smith
Costello stands with taxpayers, signs resolution opposing progressive income tax
Costello stands with taxpayers, signs resolution opposing progressive income tax
State Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Smithton, has joined the fight against a progressive tax hike in Illinois.
By Austin Berg
Madigan files resolution supporting progressive tax
Madigan files resolution supporting progressive tax
State lawmakers are facing a choice: side with House Speaker Mike Madigan or with tapped-out taxpayers.
By Austin Berg
Senate bill would give voters authority to cut property taxes by referendum
Senate bill would give voters authority to cut property taxes by referendum
Since 1991, some Illinois counties have traded voters’ ability to influence reductions in property taxes for a statutory limit on their growth. A recent Senate bill, however, would restore voters’ ability to reduce property tax levies through referendums.
By Vincent Caruso
Lawmakers stand for spending cap in Springfield
Lawmakers stand for spending cap in Springfield
A constitutional amendment to impose fiscal discipline on state lawmakers is gaining bipartisan support.
By Joe Tabor
Bill to expunge marijuana convictions passes House committee
Bill to expunge marijuana convictions passes House committee
House Bill 2367 would allow those convicted of marijuana possession before Illinois decriminalized marijuana to petition for expungement of their guilty plea or criminal conviction.
By Brendan Bakala
The bipartisan bullies of township government
The bipartisan bullies of township government
Townships are the cockroaches of governance. They won’t die.
By Austin Berg