St. Clair County approves 5 percent property tax levy hike
St. Clair County approves 5 percent property tax levy hike
The county board approved a $3.5 million property tax levy increase for 2019.
Southern Illinois municipal pensioners have collected more than $500M in benefits over last 20 years
Southern Illinois municipal pensioners have collected more than $500M in benefits over last 20 years
Despite regional struggles and a shrinking population, taxpayers in southern Illinois have been saddled with rapidly growing pension costs.
States with a progressive income tax more vulnerable to fiscal shocks
States with a progressive income tax more vulnerable to fiscal shocks
Despite finding favor among some politicians and political candidates in Illinois, states with a progressive income tax are more vulnerable during recessions than flat-tax states.
EDGE in the lion’s mouth
EDGE in the lion’s mouth
Illinois residents will pay additional online sales tax starting Oct. 1
Illinois residents will pay additional online sales tax starting Oct. 1
As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc., most online purchases in Illinois will now be subject to automatic collection of the state’s 6.25 percent use tax.
Rauner issues executive orders banning nepotism in state hires, eliminating 53 inactive state boards
Rauner issues executive orders banning nepotism in state hires, eliminating 53 inactive state boards
The governor issued a pair of executive orders aimed at improving ethics and efficiency in state government.
Illinois’ economy shed 5,200 jobs in August, the first drop in 2018
Illinois’ economy shed 5,200 jobs in August, the first drop in 2018
Illinois experienced net job losses in August, while the rest of the nation saw continued growth on average.
Lawsuit claims Chicago red-light cameras violate state law
Lawsuit claims Chicago red-light cameras violate state law
A class-action lawsuit claims Chicago’s red-light camera program fails to provide ticketed motorists with information required by state law.
Rahm to push e-cigarette ‘sin tax’ hike, product restrictions
Rahm to push e-cigarette ‘sin tax’ hike, product restrictions
The proposed City Council ordinance would hike Chicago’s sales tax on liquid nicotine and mandate that stores keep vaping products below the counter.
When taxes hit home(s)
When taxes hit home(s)
Making Illinois a more attractive state in which to plant roots is entirely within lawmakers’ control.
Manufacturer to shutter 2 Illinois plants, open $26M Indiana facility
Manufacturer to shutter 2 Illinois plants, open $26M Indiana facility
Accepting a deal that includes $6 million in subsidies, Wynright Corporation will expand its operations in Indiana and close plants in suburban Elk Grove and Oak Lawn.
Report: TIFs fall short of economic development promises
Report: TIFs fall short of economic development promises
A new report analyzes the effects of “tax increment financing” on communities across the nation – and calls into question the merits of the widely used development tool.
Most annoying sound in the world: mileage tax
Most annoying sound in the world: mileage tax
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.