Study: Illinois among states prone to lawmakers with conflicts of interest
Study: Illinois among states prone to lawmakers with conflicts of interest
The Land of Lincoln is rich with lawmakers’ penchant for self-enrichment, according to a report from the Center for Public Integrity.
By Vincent Caruso
Mundelein passes property tax hike to pay for pensions
Mundelein passes property tax hike to pay for pensions
Village board members passed a 5 percent increase in the village’s property tax levy to make increased payments to police and fire pension funds.
By Brendan Bakala
Belleville passes $1.2 million property tax hike to pay for pensions
Belleville passes $1.2 million property tax hike to pay for pensions
Belleville aldermen approved a 12 percent increase in the city’s property tax levy.
By Brendan Bakala
Census: Illinois loses title of 5th-largest state to Pennsylvania
Census: Illinois loses title of 5th-largest state to Pennsylvania
Census data released Dec. 20 show the Land of Lincoln is no longer the fifth-largest state in the U.S.
By Austin Berg
Planes, trains and automobiles: Chicago’s high travel taxes
Planes, trains and automobiles: Chicago’s high travel taxes
Chicago has some of the highest taxes on travelers in the nation.
By Brendan Bakala
Bad Santa: Illinois’ ‘sin taxes’ among the highest in the country
Bad Santa: Illinois’ ‘sin taxes’ among the highest in the country
Despite diminishing returns, the Prairie State has yet to kick its excise tax habit.
By Vincent Caruso
Workers’ comp costs hit Illinois’ blue-collar industries
Workers’ comp costs hit Illinois’ blue-collar industries
Exorbitant workers’ comp costs punish small businesses and send employers dashing to Illinois’ neighboring states.
By Vincent Caruso
Tax Increment Financing: Christmas year-round for local politicians, developers
Tax Increment Financing: Christmas year-round for local politicians, developers
Statewide use of slush funds ensures it’s Christmas every day for political leaders and their chosen developers.
By Chris Lentino
Madigan’s alderman moves to squash Airbnb near Midway Airport
Madigan’s alderman moves to squash Airbnb near Midway Airport
Chicago Alderman Marty Quinn is attempting to squeeze out home-sharing in the 13th Ward.
By Vincent Caruso
State lawmaker plans to introduce township consolidation bill
State lawmaker plans to introduce township consolidation bill
State Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, is working on the framework for a bill that would dramatically improve taxpayers’ ability to eliminate township governments, of which Illinois has about 1,400.
The ‘magic’ of Metra: Higher costs, lower service
The ‘magic’ of Metra: Higher costs, lower service
Costs for Metra's administrative workers, including managers, lawyers, accountants and IT specialists went up 54 percent over the last five years.
By Chris Lentino