New census data tell the tale of Quad Cities
New census data tell the tale of Quad Cities
If current population trends hold, Rock Island, Illinois, will take a back seat to Bettendorf, Iowa, within five years.
Highland Park school board awards $300,000 severance to departing superintendent
Highland Park school board awards $300,000 severance to departing superintendent
The excessive severance package comes as a bill curbing golden parachutes sits in the Illinois House of Representatives.
Property-tax-for-pensions plan would pummel Illinois homeowners
Property-tax-for-pensions plan would pummel Illinois homeowners
With one proposal to pay off Illinois’ pension debt asking the typical homeowner to pay more than $1,900 in additional property taxes for the next 30 years, the stakes for pension reform have never been clearer.
Elimination of Alton Township could be placed in voters’ hands
Elimination of Alton Township could be placed in voters’ hands
Taxpayers in the city of Alton, which has identical borders to that of Alton Township, could see savings through consolidation.
Illinois Supreme Court ruling a victory for government transparency
Illinois Supreme Court ruling a victory for government transparency
The court’s ruling strengthens Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, a crucial tool in holding government officials accountable.
In a shrinking state, Census sheds light on struggling cities
In a shrinking state, Census sheds light on struggling cities
When people can’t find good job opportunities in Illinois, they are too often forced to leave. And to take their place, too few have enough confidence in the state to move in from elsewhere and build a future.
Chicago was the only major U.S. city to lose population from 2016 to 2017
Chicago was the only major U.S. city to lose population from 2016 to 2017
In a shrinking state, half of Illinois’ largest cities have shed population since 2010.
Trio of occupational licensing bills en route to governor’s desk
Trio of occupational licensing bills en route to governor’s desk
A series of occupational licensing reform bills making their way out of the General Assembly would help more Illinoisans enter the workforce.
Cullerton’s carnival juggling act
Cullerton’s carnival juggling act
As budget deadline looms, Illinois lawmakers push bill aimed at carnival workers
As budget deadline looms, Illinois lawmakers push bill aimed at carnival workers
Springfield is struggling to juggle its priorities, with state lawmakers pressing up against time to pass a budget for the coming fiscal year.
Property tax gut shot
Property tax gut shot
More than 90 local government leaders sign on to letter opposing progressive tax
More than 90 local government leaders sign on to letter opposing progressive tax
Local government leaders across Illinois are asking their state lawmakers to stand up against House Speaker Mike Madigan’s progressive tax push.
Illinois added 4,700 jobs in April, but workforce continues to shrink
Illinois added 4,700 jobs in April, but workforce continues to shrink
The state also saw a drop in the unemployment rate over the month, fueled by employment gains and labor force decline.
Two things Illinois homeowners should know about the property tax assessment process
Two things Illinois homeowners should know about the property tax assessment process
Inaccuracy and unfairness in the property tax assessment process mean some homeowners, especially those in poorer areas, pay a disproportionate share of the overall tax burden.