Austin Berg, Illinois Policy Institute News
Is this the most toxic tax in Illinois politics?
One wonders how many times an unpopular idea must be knocked down before it rises back from the dead. Especially when it means more money for the state. And especially in Illinois.
One of Illinois' top tax credit recipients to shutter 1,000-employee HQ
Illinois issued more than $60 million in EDGE tax credits to Takeda Pharmaceuticals from 2003 to 2013, more than any other company received over that time.
Why your property tax bill is so high and how to fix it
Less than 50 cents of every additional property tax dollar over the last 20 years went to pay for services that raise home values. Instead, the primary driver of the rise in property taxes was pension costs.
For Speaker Madigan, when do drips become a flood?
A few brave souls have come forward with their stories about the behavior under Madigan’s dome. But how many still feel powerless?
Lawmakers to homeowners: 'You'll get nothing and like it'
In a matter of hours, Illinoisans saw bipartisan opposition to property tax relief and bipartisan support for higher property taxes.
Madigan re-elected Chairman of Illinois Democratic Party
The longtime House speaker is the only state legislative leader in the nation to also serve as a party chairman.
Collinsville, Granite City sales taxes would rival Chicago's under tax hike referendum
Madison County voters have twice turned down a proposed sales-tax hike to fund school facilities projects, but the proposal will appear again on March primary ballots. If approved, shoppers in Collinsville and Granite City would see some of the highest sales tax rates in the country.
Hold on to your wallets, Springfield back in session for 2018
With statewide elections in November, the 2018 forecast calls for gridlock.
Like a good neighbor: Illinois sees record loss of people to neighboring states
Solving Illinois’ people problem requires addressing the high cost of government, which makes the state far less attractive for people looking to plant roots.
Census: Illinois loses title of 5th largest state to Pennsylvania
Census data released Dec. 20 show the Land of Lincoln is no longer the fifth-largest state in the U.S.
Government unions, your property tax bill and the power of giving
Balancing the scales at the bargaining table is an essential step in fixing the property tax problem.
It’s Illinois’ birthday! Hey, wait … come back
Illinois’ exodus of people and money is the state’s most pressing policy problem. Until lawmakers get serious about addressing its causes, there’s little reason to think the trend will change.
New IRS data: Illinois sees record loss of people, income to other states
The Land of Lincoln is experiencing heavy losses of people and income to other states, new IRS data reveal. Illinois lost more than 86,000 people and $4.75 billion in adjusted gross income to other states from 2015-2016.
Illinoisans’ no good, very bad year
The biggest obstacle Illinoisans face in Springfield remains the same: an all-powerful House speaker, and members of both parties who are all too eager to kowtow.
In 'Spring(field) Vegas,' a toxic culture thrives in the dark
The culture of silence will end eventually. And when it does, it will be with a deafening roar.
Illinois lawmakers stampede for the exit
The most likely driver is pretty obvious to most Illinoisans: the rage of constituents.
Currie to receive 6-figure pension after first year of retirement
The longtime House majority leader will benefit from a sweetener provision that grants massive pension spikes to career lawmakers after one year of retirement.
Illinois General Assembly passes school funding plan, tax credit scholarships
The Illinois Senate passed a school funding reform bill containing the state’s first-ever tax credit scholarship program. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Illinois Senate passes Chicago bailout, overrides Rauner's amendatory veto
All Senate Democrats and one Republican voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner and pass Senate Bill 1 in its original form, including a bailout for Chicago Public Schools.
Illinoisans are still waiting for independence
More than 240 years ago, a group of individuals stood up against a far-off king who taxed them without recourse. Americans honor their efforts each year on Independence Day.