Statewide residential property tax extensions are on pace to total more than $24 billion by 2026, which is $2 billion more than the current total. Amendment 1’s expansion of government union power would likely accelerate that $2 billion increase.
Many misleading narratives surround Amendment 1, the proposed constitutional amendment at the top of the Nov. 8 ballot that proponents disingenuously call a “Workers Rights Amendment.” Mailee Smith, director of labor policy at Illinois Policy Institute, identifies the top Amendment 1 myths that have spread during election season in this week’s episode of The Policy...
Linda Ekendahl hoped buying property for her business would be the best move – until her $30,000 property tax bill came. Another tax hike under Amendment 1 would further damage her business.
A former Teamsters secretary-treasurer was sentenced to 19 months in prison for extorting $325,000 from a Chicago film studio. The judge refused to give probation, saying “there is a price we all pay for public corruption.”
Former Democratic Chicago Ald. Michele Smith said she recommends a ‘no’ vote on Amendment 1. She said the Illinois Constitution doesn’t need another restriction to keep state lawmakers from fixing the state.
Illinois voters are faced with a change to the Illinois Constitution that would give government union bosses the power to essentially decide how high taxes should go. That’s not how democracy should work.
During the past five years, Illinois’ business tax climate has gotten worse while all neighboring states improved or held steady. Six companies this year said they are relocating, and the exodus may not be over.
"The teachers union already has far too much say and power regarding what goes on in our schools. We've gone so far past the original idea or purpose of a union."
Halloween shoppers can expect to spend 13% more on treats this October than last season, marking the largest-ever single-year jump in candy prices. Illinois’ tax system this year lets treaters save some dough by picking candy with flour.
Michael Madigan, former Illinois House speaker, and his longtime political ally and operative will enter pleas in federal court Nov. 1. They are charged with coercing bribes from AT&T in return for passing favorable legislation in Springfield.