Despite tax hikes, Illinois fails to balance budget for 19th year in a row
Despite tax hikes, Illinois fails to balance budget for 19th year in a row
Band-Aid fixes and spending-heavy compromises were rampant. And now it’s all coming home to roost.
By Austin Berg
Illinois gas tax will double in July, then likely rise nearly a penny a year
Illinois gas tax will double in July, then likely rise nearly a penny a year
The state gas tax is projected to automatically increase 130% by 2025, without lawmaker approval. That’s almost 25 cents more on a gallon of gas.
What you need to know about Illinois’ gambling expansion
What you need to know about Illinois’ gambling expansion
Answers to frequently asked questions about new casinos and sports betting in Illinois.
Pritzker signs Illinois budget out of balance by up to $1.3 billion
Pritzker signs Illinois budget out of balance by up to $1.3 billion
Contrary to claims from both Republicans and Democrats, and despite raising nearly $1.1 billion in new taxes and fees for operations, the fiscal year 2020 budget is out of balance by between $574 million and $1.3 billion.
By Adam Schuster
Summer brings pay hike for Illinois state lawmakers, pay cut for you
Summer brings pay hike for Illinois state lawmakers, pay cut for you
Springfield politicians talking out of both sides of their mouths on tax “fairness” is one of many reasons they didn’t deserve a raise.
By Austin Berg
Illinois’ cigarette tax to become one of nation’s highest
Illinois’ cigarette tax to become one of nation’s highest
A $1 cigarette tax hike included in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s infrastructure plan will make Illinois’ tax on cigarette packs among the highest in the nation.
Pritzker approves $1,600 pay raises for state lawmakers
Pritzker approves $1,600 pay raises for state lawmakers
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a budget that includes pay raises for state lawmakers, as Illinoisans brace for a number of new tax hikes.
By Vincent Caruso
Cubs, Bulls and Bears games eligible for in-person sports betting under new law
Cubs, Bulls and Bears games eligible for in-person sports betting under new law
New change in law paves the way for sports betting at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, and the United Center, among other venues.
Illinois state lawmakers pass $1,600 pay raise for themselves
Illinois state lawmakers pass $1,600 pay raise for themselves
The Illinois General Assembly sent $85 billion in proposed spending to Gov J.B. Pritzker’s desk in a matter of days. That package included tax hikes on ordinary Illinoisans and pay raises for all state lawmakers.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinoisans will see state gas tax double starting July 1
Illinoisans will see state gas tax double starting July 1
Illinoisans will pay more for gas, vehicle registration, cigarettes and parking after a bipartisan vote for $45 billion in new capital spending.
By Austin Berg
Pritzker progressive tax amendment allows for nation’s highest tax on business income
Pritzker progressive tax amendment allows for nation’s highest tax on business income
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s amendment would allow Illinois to impose an effective corporate income tax rate of up to 15.28% – the nation’s highest by far.
By Austin Berg
Illinois state lawmakers introduce, pass $85 billion in spending in 12 hours
Illinois state lawmakers introduce, pass $85 billion in spending in 12 hours
A new governor and Democratic supermajorities have retained the same chaotic budgeting process that has brought the state’s credit rating to near-junk status.
By Austin Berg
Chicagoans could pay nearly $1 per gallon in taxes alone under Pritzker capital plan
Chicagoans could pay nearly $1 per gallon in taxes alone under Pritzker capital plan
Drivers filling up in Chicago could see an effective per-gallon gas tax burden of 39% under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed capital spending plan.
Illinois lawmakers set to throw more money at failing Chicago convention center
Illinois lawmakers set to throw more money at failing Chicago convention center
Chicago’s McCormick Place convention center has been a political money pit for nearly 60 years. And now state lawmakers are considering whether to keep subsidizing failure with more tax dollars.
By Austin Berg