Each Chicago taxpayer is on the hook for $119,110 worth of unfunded state, city, county and other local government debt. Many of the pensions driving those debts become Lori Lightfoot’s problem on Monday.
Former Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for McHenry County residents to consolidate their townships. Renewed bipartisan support has sent it back to the governor’s desk, now occupied by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office is using a major capital bill as a vehicle to grease lawmakers for a progressive income tax amendment. But the tax hikes to pay for it would make Illinoisans’ gas tax burden the second highest in the nation.
There should be no compromise with those who are looking out for their own bottom line above the good of the state.
Illinois can do it the old way and raise taxes to deliver pork projects. Or Illinois can be smart and make each tax dollar work hard to deliver projects that help residents and the economy.
An Illinois House bill that would allow more education funding dollars reach the classroom before getting trapped in administration has earned support from both parties – and the opposition of administrators.
An advocacy group backing Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “fair tax” plan has argued a progressive income tax hike won’t affect middle-class Illinoisans. But its most recent report shows a middle-class tax hit is likely.
With taxpayer opposition intensifying, the governor’s vision for a $3.4 billion progressive income tax hike is slipping away.
Civic leaders across the state have signed onto an open letter declaring their opposition to a progressive income tax, as momentum continues to build against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature proposal.
The Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee approved a bill that would more than double the state gas tax. Illinois may soon have the nation’s highest gas tax burden.
Lawmakers should follow state Rep. Jonathan Carroll’s example by demonstrating the political courage to reject a proposed $3.4 billion tax hike.
State lawmakers should follow state Rep. Sam Yingling’s example, and muster the courage to reject the $3.4 billion tax hike proposal.
Illinoisans are among the nation’s most heavily taxed residents. A proposed Illinois constitutional amendment would make it harder for lawmakers to add to that burden.
The Open Illinois Checkbook Act would shed light on Illinois state finances. It is now en route to the Illinois Senate.