Nearly 80 percent of Alton property tax levy consumed by pensions
Nearly 80 percent of Alton property tax levy consumed by pensions
The share of Alton’s annual property tax levy going to pension payments has more than doubled over the past decade.
William Gee
William Gee
“My parents saw a future in this town. “For 40 years, we paid our dues in taxes, property taxes. We’ve created value. Everybody’s brother and sister has worked for us locally. For most of them, it’s their first job. “Good times, hard times, we went through it all. We actually helped the village. My parents...
Taxpayer tab totals $98M to keep southwestern Illinois airport open
Taxpayer tab totals $98M to keep southwestern Illinois airport open
Local leaders say more passengers will reduce the need for taxpayer money at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. But as traffic rises, so too has the tab for St. Clair County taxpayers.
Illinois teacher pension fund requests $400M in additional taxpayer contributions
Illinois teacher pension fund requests $400M in additional taxpayer contributions
The pension fund’s request for $4.8 billion in taxpayer contributions for the next budget year, a 10 percent increase from the previous year, highlights the need for pension reform in Illinois.
Pension funds’ rosy projections spell trouble for Illinois taxpayers
Pension funds’ rosy projections spell trouble for Illinois taxpayers
Overly optimistic expectations about investment returns mean Illinois is understating its pension debt. That could lead to a nasty surprise for future taxpayers.
Illinois’ private sector jobs growth among worst in the nation since 2017 tax hike
Illinois’ private sector jobs growth among worst in the nation since 2017 tax hike
Jobs growth in Illinois has gone from middle of the pack to back of the line.
Sinkhole city: Financial watchdog again gives Chicago an ‘F’ in finances
Sinkhole city: Financial watchdog again gives Chicago an ‘F’ in finances
An annual analysis of Chicago’s finances finds the city’s debt burden continues to weigh heavily on the shoulders of taxpayers.
Highest paid superintendent in Illinois history fired for ‘pay padding’
Highest paid superintendent in Illinois history fired for ‘pay padding’
Following an investigation into allegations of “pay padding,” among other offenses, Calumet school district board members dismissed Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent less than a week before retirement.
Nearly half of Illinois House candidates face no opponent
Nearly half of Illinois House candidates face no opponent
House Speaker Mike Madigan has drawn Illinois’ legislative maps for three of the past four decades.
Madigan’s money: AFSCME spending trail reveals extensive and hidden political activity
Madigan’s money: AFSCME spending trail reveals extensive and hidden political activity
AFSCME Council 31, its PAC and AFSCME headquarters are major political players, funneling millions of dollars every year to Democrats or self-proclaimed progressive organizations.
Progressive tax Halloween costume
Progressive tax Halloween costume
Voters near Springfield face new property tax to pay for pensions
Voters near Springfield face new property tax to pay for pensions
Voters in the village of Jerome, on Springfield’s southwest edge, will decide whether to adopt an additional property tax to pay for public pension contributions.
Park Ridge voters to decide on $350 property tax hike for median homeowner
Park Ridge voters to decide on $350 property tax hike for median homeowner
Voters in Maine Township High School District 207 will consider Nov. 6 whether to approve a $195 million bond referendum to update its three high schools in northern Cook County.