How ending the state and local tax deduction puts Illinois’ economy at a crossroads
How ending the state and local tax deduction puts Illinois’ economy at a crossroads
One change in federal tax code – and Illinois lawmakers’ response to it – could decide the economic trajectory of the state.
By Orphe Divounguy
District 15 strike leaves Palatine-area students and parents in the lurch
District 15 strike leaves Palatine-area students and parents in the lurch
When contract negotiations get tough, school employee unions should not be able to strike. It only serves to punish students and their parents, and it gives unions an unfair tool at the negotiating table.
By Mailee Smith
Bloat expands as enrollment drops, tuition spikes in Illinois higher education
Bloat expands as enrollment drops, tuition spikes in Illinois higher education
Growth in administrative bloat is sucking up money that would otherwise go toward the classroom and tuition grants for low-income students in Illinois’ higher education system.
By Ted Dabrowski, Joe Tabor
Haribo to create 55 new jobs in Rosemont for $1.67M in EDGE tax breaks
Haribo to create 55 new jobs in Rosemont for $1.67M in EDGE tax breaks
Under its agreement with the state of Illinois, the candy company Haribo of America will bring 25 new jobs to its Rosemont headquarters by October 2018, followed by another 30 by October 2021.
By Brendan Bakala
Wave of local tax and fee increases sweeping Illinois
Wave of local tax and fee increases sweeping Illinois
Cities and villages across the state are raising taxes or implementing new ones for a variety of functions, from attracting a fast-food restaurant to catching up on rising pension costs.
By Brendan Bakala
Cook County’s budget problems stem from massive growth in payrolls
Cook County’s budget problems stem from massive growth in payrolls
The average salary for Cook County workers has far outpaced that of the typical Cook County household since 2001, and that’s contributed to the county’s fiscal ills.
By Chris Lentino
Opioid crisis: Kentucky’s reforms, Illinois’ problems and overprescription in workers’ comp
Opioid crisis: Kentucky’s reforms, Illinois’ problems and overprescription in workers’ comp
As opioid abuse ravages Illinois, lawmakers must take action to root out overprescription in the state’s workers’ compensation system.
By Amy Korte
Illinois’ new budget already has $1.7B hole despite largest permanent tax hike in state history
Illinois’ new budget already has $1.7B hole despite largest permanent tax hike in state history
Every budget through 2023 will likely be unbalanced as well.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
The union myth of ‘free riders’
The union myth of ‘free riders’
A solution to the union’s “free rider” claim is on the table. Why doesn’t it enjoy union support?
By Mailee Smith
Abundance of governments is one driver of collar county property taxes
Abundance of governments is one driver of collar county property taxes
Consolidating governments in the collar counties could help lower residents’ high property taxes.