State lawmakers are rushing a first-in-the-world wealth tax on billionaires. They also want taxes on streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify and steep surcharges on concerts and ticketed events.
Questionable spending plus the union’s refusal to release required annual audits should concern members.
Transit reform can support Illinois riders and taxpayers. These seven principles outline a path to affordability, accountability and efficiency.
While Aurora sits near the top of the safety rankings, Chicago lands near the bottom undermining claims by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Halloween is when the masks go on and candy fills the bag. Cities and towns regulating Halloween with trick-or-treating rules do so for safety, so you should check your local Halloween laws.
Harvey became the second city in 35 years to ask the state to step in under Illinois’ Financially Distressed City Law. It won’t address the main issue: growing pension liabilities.
Chicago Tax Increment Finance “surpluses” have increased more than ninefold in the past decade.
Illinois’ candy tax doesn’t apply to any treats made with flour. Kit Kat, Twix and Snickers are all taxed as groceries, not candy, and come with a cheaper price tag.
Chicago’s budget has grown much faster than inflation, leaving taxpayers to endure higher costs without receiving better services. Implementing a spending cap linked to inflation could have kept costs under control, helping prevent future deficits
West Frankfort’s local union and school board have been at the negotiation table for more than five months. If an agreement is not reached, teachers in West Frankfort could strike as soon as Oct. 26.
The dream of homeownership is pushed out of reach by low housing supply and soaring property taxes driven by pension costs.
Pension costs take a growing share of school funding, driving up property taxes and leaving less for teachers and students.