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.
Exodus: This is fine
Exodus: This is fine
Lake Bluff consolidation proposal could save taxpayers $500K
Lake Bluff consolidation proposal could save taxpayers $500K
A joint service agreement between two fire departments could save Lake Bluff more than $500,000 over five years, once fully implemented. The plan would be a welcome change of pace for residents, as Lake County homeowners pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation.
Shrinking Decatur to face budgetary hurdles in coming year
Shrinking Decatur to face budgetary hurdles in coming year
After passing an unbalanced budget in 2017, Decatur will have to address its declining population and revenue as it looks ahead to crafting future budgets.
Illinois’ economy continues to fall behind other states, according to fiscal forecast
Illinois’ economy continues to fall behind other states, according to fiscal forecast
The worst years of the Great Recession are in the rear view. But if the latest gloomy fiscal forecast is any indication, Illinois' persistent policy mistakes will drag down its economic performance well into the future.
Report: Cook County property tax assessment process unfair to poorer homeowners
Report: Cook County property tax assessment process unfair to poorer homeowners
A new study confirms Cook County's broken property tax assessment system causes owners of lower-value homes to bear a disproportionate share of the tax burden.
The most misleading myths in Illinois politics
The most misleading myths in Illinois politics
Fixing what ails the state requires Illinoisans of all political stripes to be honest about how they got here.
McHenry Township voters will get a voice on local government consolidation
McHenry Township voters will get a voice on local government consolidation
Following years of work by consolidation advocates, the McHenry Township board of trustees passed a motion allowing voters to decide whether to dissolve their local road district in November.
Bigger property taxes
Bigger property taxes
Do Illinois homeowners get any bang for their property tax buck?
Do Illinois homeowners get any bang for their property tax buck?
From 2005 to 2015, home values are down, property taxes are up and educational outcomes haven't seen a big improvement.
House bill would cap growth in sky-high administrative spending at Illinois schools
House bill would cap growth in sky-high administrative spending at Illinois schools
Illinois' spending on administrative costs is among the highest in the nation, sapping scarce dollars from the classroom. But a new bill would slow the growth in these expenses and align them with taxpayers' ability to pay.
General Assembly overrides governor’s veto, granting 1 Chicago business an exemption from state liquor law
General Assembly overrides governor’s veto, granting 1 Chicago business an exemption from state liquor law
State lawmakers passed into law a bill that exempts a single Chicago performance hall from a provision in Illinois state liquor law, overriding Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto. This practice of granting piecemeal exemptions is commonplace but cumbersome.
Tax Olympics: Chicago tops the table on taxes and fees
Tax Olympics: Chicago tops the table on taxes and fees
In a comparative analysis of taxes and fees in the nation's top 15 cities, Chicago won first place more times than any other city.
Kiss-off: Too many Illinoisans breaking up with the state
Kiss-off: Too many Illinoisans breaking up with the state
Every relationship comes with some sacrifices. But for an alarming number of Illinoisans, they're opting instead to sacrifice their state IDs.