Report author: Illinois has ‘unique’ debt problem | Illinois
(The Center Square) – According to a new report, Illinois is one of five states with more than $30,000 in debt per capita. Mariana Trujillo, managing director of government finance at Reason Foundation, said state, county and local governments and school districts are accumulating a lot of unfunded obligations. “So this means there’s a share […]
Pritzker says head tax signals employers to not hire | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has reiterated his opposition to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposal to impose a monthly head tax on employers. The governor also said on Thursday he does not expect the state to provide supplemental funding to Chicago Public Schools this fall. Flanked by several state lawmakers, Pritzker spoke on […]
WATCH: Authorities investigate disruption of OCTOBER 7 play | Illinois
(The Center Square) – The Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern University has called on multiple levels of government to investigate the disruption of a play called “OCTOBER 7” at Cahn Auditorium on the school’s Evanston campus. The performance on the evening of Oct. 6 was hosted by Northwestern Hillel and dramatized verbatim testimony from survivors of […]
Mayor plots $20M from catalyst fund for development | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says his administration will repurpose $20 million in taxpayer money from a dormant city fund to spur investment in community centers, recreational spaces and other resources. The city’s Office of Inspector General discovered more than $57 million in the dormant Community Catalyst Fund earlier this year. After […]
Landlords say registration question on ballot could raise taxes | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Next week, Springfield voters will choose whether to accept or deny a ballot question guiding the city on creating a landlord registry across the capital city. A proposal, backed by many community groups, seeks to create a registry as increasing complaints of single-family and multi-unit rental properties have gone unmaintained or […]
Incumbent Johnson, Giannoulias, others file petitions to run for Chicago mayor | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson turned in the required signatures to the Chicago Board of Elections Friday for him to run for reelection, officially joining the crowded field of candidates in doing so. Johnson, the city’s 37th mayor, a progressive who was elected by 51% of the vote to lead the city […]
Braidwood fire tax hike draws scrutiny over costs, referendum outreach | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A proposed Braidwood Fire Protection District tax increase that would raise its annual property tax extension by nearly 87% is drawing scrutiny over the cost to taxpayers and the district’s use of outside consultants for public outreach. The district estimates its annual tax extension would rise from about $2.82 million to […]
Illinois quick hits: Brief filed in Cook County assault weapons ban case | Illinois
Brief filed in Cook County assault weapons ban case BRIEF FILED IN SUPREME COURT COOK CO. ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office filed its brief in defense of the county’s assault weapons ban that is being challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court. The case – scheduled for a hearing of oral arguments […]
Same players, arguments appear in renewed corporate ‘head tax’ proposal | Illinois
(The Center Square) – One part of Chicago’s newly-proposed budget under consideration by the city council is a new per-employee tax on some businesses in the city, which local business interests say is a disincentive and the wrong way to bring growth and affordability to the city. Among Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $17.6 billion […]
Johnson budget spends and taxes more | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2027 budget proposal includes a new package tax, a new tax on large employers and several tax increases. Johnson introduced his $17.6 billion spending plan on Wednesday, up from $16.7 billion this year. The mayor said his budget ensures that every Chicagoan receives their fair share of […]