Rauner calls special session on education finance bill
Rauner calls special session on education finance bill
The special session will deal with Senate Bill 1, an education finance bill that contains an annual $215 million pension bailout for Chicago Public Schools.
By Brendan Bakala
Chicago suburbs eye new dining, alcohol taxes
Chicago suburbs eye new dining, alcohol taxes
Suburbs such as Downers Grove make dining out costlier through tax hikes.
By John Kristof
Trump administration undermines Illinois civil asset forfeiture reforms
Trump administration undermines Illinois civil asset forfeiture reforms
The reinstatement of a federal asset forfeiture program marks a step backward for civil asset forfeiture reform.
By Hilary Gowins
Illinois’ 32% income tax hike shows need for taxpayer bill of rights
Illinois’ 32% income tax hike shows need for taxpayer bill of rights
Illinois taxpayers deserve to have a voice in budgeting decisions as politicians continually look to hike their taxes.
Martwick, property tax lawyer, fails to disclose political cash
Martwick, property tax lawyer, fails to disclose political cash
State Rep. Robert Martwick blamed “poorly written” ethics laws for his failure to disclose income from political consulting work.
By Austin Berg
Illinois unemployment rises slightly despite shrinking workforce
Illinois unemployment rises slightly despite shrinking workforce
Illinois’ June jobs data show 4,300 more Illinoisans are unemployed and the state’s labor force is down 20,400 people.
By Kevin Angell
AFSCME pressuring Cook County Commissioners to raise sales, alcohol, parking and cigarette taxes
AFSCME pressuring Cook County Commissioners to raise sales, alcohol, parking and cigarette taxes
AFSCME officials proposed seven tax increases for Cook County as a way to save union jobs, including an increase in the county sales tax, a new head tax and doubling the amusement tax to 6 percent, despite the county’s local tax burden already being among the highest in the nation.
By Chris Lentino
While Chicago Public Schools calls for state bailout, Chicago TIF districts bring in record $561M in revenue in 2016
While Chicago Public Schools calls for state bailout, Chicago TIF districts bring in record $561M in revenue in 2016
Slush fund hits record amounts as Chicago looks to the state for a bailout.
By Chris Lentino
CPS to spend an additional $200 per student for the 2017-18 school year
CPS to spend an additional $200 per student for the 2017-18 school year
Cash-strapped and debt-ridden Chicago Public Schools plans to increase per-pupil funding by roughly $200 a student over last year’s budget.
By Robert Brutvan
Federal bill would give more rights to workers in unionized workplaces
Federal bill would give more rights to workers in unionized workplaces
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would allow workers a real say in which union represents them, require secret ballots for union voting, and ensure that all workers’ voices count – not just those who align with the union.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago to reach $38M settlement over red-light camera tickets
Chicago to reach $38M settlement over red-light camera tickets
The proposed settlement would cost Chicago $38.75 million, with $26.75 being paid out in refunds and $12 million written off for those who never paid their tickets.
By John Kristof
School district sues Mount Prospect, Ill., over TIF
School district sues Mount Prospect, Ill., over TIF
The case against Mount Prospect, Ill., shows how tax increment financing districts siphon tax money from school districts and other taxing bodies, and diverts needed resources and puts pressure on taxpayers to make up the difference.
By Chris Lentino
Illinois’ $5B tax hike will be eaten up by this year’s pension payment
Illinois’ $5B tax hike will be eaten up by this year’s pension payment
Illinoisans can take a look at their paystubs and notice the state decided to hike their income tax bill by 32 percent.
By Austin Berg