New bill would identify Illinois lawmakers who haven’t filed tax returns
New bill would identify Illinois lawmakers who haven’t filed tax returns
Illinois House Bill 4039 would reveal publicly the names of state lawmakers who haven’t filed their state tax returns.
By Brendan Bakala
Homeowners in collar counties pay highest property taxes in Illinois
Homeowners in collar counties pay highest property taxes in Illinois
Residents of Chicago’s collar counties pay the highest property taxes in the state – and some of the highest in the country.
2 graphics show why Illinois’ social services and taxpayers are getting stiffed
2 graphics show why Illinois’ social services and taxpayers are getting stiffed
Government worker retirement costs and interest on state retirement debt are squeezing out funding for social service providers and taxpayer relief.
By Michael Lucci
BLS jobs report shows weak economy in Illinois, recovery in neighboring states
BLS jobs report shows weak economy in Illinois, recovery in neighboring states
Illinois saw a 0.23 percent increase in jobs in the first quarter of 2017, the third-worst growth rate in the region.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois lawmakers passed 938 bills that became law from 2015 to 2017 – just 3% had a price tag
Illinois lawmakers passed 938 bills that became law from 2015 to 2017 – just 3% had a price tag
Despite Illinois’ severe financial problems, less than 3 percent of bills passed by the 99th General Assembly and enacted into law have fiscal notes.
By Brendan Bakala
Chicago aldermen propose $33 per employee ‘head tax’ on city employers
Chicago aldermen propose $33 per employee ‘head tax’ on city employers
At a time when businesses are fleeing the state, a group of Chicago aldermen are attempting to revive the employer’s expense tax to bail out Chicago Public Schools.
By Chris Lentino
Illinois loses nearly 9,000 jobs on net in March; unemployment rate drops
Illinois loses nearly 9,000 jobs on net in March; unemployment rate drops
Illinois lost jobs across several industries including construction, manufacturing, and professional and business services. The only employment category to see significant growth was leisure and hospitality.
By Michael Lucci
Work over prison: Illinois should expand record sealing
Work over prison: Illinois should expand record sealing
Research shows that recidivism rates drop for ex-offenders who are able to find steady employment.
By Hilary Gowins
What Noble charter teachers need to know before unionizing
What Noble charter teachers need to know before unionizing
A group of teachers in the Noble Network of Charter Schools are seeking union representation. Here’s what Noble teachers need to know before voting to unionize.
By Mailee Smith
McHenry County Board votes to cut tax levy by 10 percent
McHenry County Board votes to cut tax levy by 10 percent
In a bipartisan effort to cut McHenry County’s local tax burden, the McHenry County Board voted overwhelmingly in favor of a pledge to cut the county tax levy by 10 percent. The board chairman has intimated he will pursue further local government consolidation efforts.
By Brendan Bakala