US Supreme Court hears oral arguments in labor case centered on Illinois state worker
US Supreme Court hears oral arguments in labor case centered on Illinois state worker
Springfield native Mark Janus saw his case come before the U.S. Supreme Court for oral arguments Feb. 26.
By Mailee Smith
New bill would hike, expand obscure tax for Illinois small businesses
New bill would hike, expand obscure tax for Illinois small businesses
State Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch has proposed a measure that would increase by 400 percent the personal property replacement tax imposed on partnerships, LLCs and other types of businesses.
By Amy Korte
Despite high tax bills, Des Plaines City Council buys theater for $1.3M
Despite high tax bills, Des Plaines City Council buys theater for $1.3M
Local leaders are putting taxpayers on the hook for a development gamble.
By Austin Berg
Illinois spends more on education, but outcomes lag
Illinois spends more on education, but outcomes lag
Misplaced priorities in Illinois' education system may be the reason students are less prepared for college than peers in other states.
By Bryce Hill, Joe Tabor
Rock Island County taxpayers can’t keep up with the rate of state spending
Rock Island County taxpayers can’t keep up with the rate of state spending
As the state continuously spends more than residents can afford, taxpayers in Rock Island County have seen little income growth.
City of Springfield passes unbalanced budget despite bevy of new tax hikes
City of Springfield passes unbalanced budget despite bevy of new tax hikes
The city's budget for fiscal year 2019 was accompanied by increases in sales and telecom taxes. But local officials still anticipate a deficit.
By Vincent Caruso
Carl and Dewana Perry
Carl and Dewana Perry
“We’re a Navy family. One of the things Navy families do is move frequently. When we bought this place, we intended on staying in it at least until we retired and moved back down south to Mississippi, which was always in the cards. “We worry about the value of course four, five years down the...
Border war: In Quad Cities, Illinois shrinks as Iowa grows
Border war: In Quad Cities, Illinois shrinks as Iowa grows
The Quad Cities are a case study in how the Land of Lincoln is lagging behind its neighbors.
By Austin Berg
Mundelein fire department dispute shows weight of growing pension costs
Mundelein fire department dispute shows weight of growing pension costs
Village officials are trying to control expenses by cutting staff as growing pension costs continue to gobble up local tax dollars.
By Brendan Bakala
Bryan Reehoff
Bryan Reehoff
“I’ve had about 17 years of buying and selling homes. “There’s some good deals here. I’ve looked at some pretty big properties here. But the bigger commercial pieces are cheap because the taxes are high. “We’re actively trying to buy more commercial property, and the realtors say ‘go ahead and pass [the property taxes] on...
US Supreme Court to hear arguments in landmark labor case, Janus v. AFSCME
US Supreme Court to hear arguments in landmark labor case, Janus v. AFSCME
For the last four decades, millions of government workers across the nation have faced an unfair decision: Pay fees to a union, or lose your job. But Janus v. AFSCME could restore government workers' constitutional rights to freedom of speech and association.
By Mailee Smith
Sangamon County homeowners: Where do your property taxes go?
Sangamon County homeowners: Where do your property taxes go?
Sangamon County billed homeowners $215 million in 2017. This meant owners of a $127,000 Springfield home had a $2,600 property tax bill.
By Amy Korte, Joe Tabor
Metro East taxpayers struggle to keep up with state spending
Metro East taxpayers struggle to keep up with state spending
Residents in Madison and St. Clair counties find themselves fleeced by lawmakers' failure to control state finances.
By Vincent Caruso