Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation
Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation
Illinoisans pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation at more than $0.84 per gallon. Only California charges its drivers more.
Pritzker’s magic beans: Growing a record-setting $55B Illinois budget
Pritzker’s magic beans: Growing a record-setting $55B Illinois budget
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker invoked a fairy tale about magic beans and a giant during his annual state of the state and budget address. Too bad he forgot to take an ax to the giant, record-setting budget he has grown by $16.7 billion since taking office.
Pritzker at 50% approval ahead of Illinois budget address
Pritzker at 50% approval ahead of Illinois budget address
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s favorability is at exactly 50% ahead of his annual budget address, a chance to win over the 46% of voters with an unfavorable opinion of him. But based on his history of aggressive spending and taxation, what are the odds?
Gov. Pritzker hints no tax hikes or pension benefit spikes in 2026 state budget
Gov. Pritzker hints no tax hikes or pension benefit spikes in 2026 state budget
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said raising taxes or hiking pension benefits are not first choices for in his fiscal year 2026 budget. The governor said Illinois needs to “live within our means in this state.”
Bill introduced to again try for progressive income tax in Illinois
Bill introduced to again try for progressive income tax in Illinois
The Illinois Constitution currently requires income taxes to be imposed at a single, flat rate. A new bill filed in the Illinois General Assembly would allow for income to be taxed at varying rates, making it easier for lawmakers to raise rates.
Illinois Forward 2026: How the state can spend responsibly
Illinois Forward 2026: How the state can spend responsibly
After years of splurging with revenue boosted by temporary federal aid, future deficits over $5 billion await the Illinois state budget. It’s time Illinois state leaders learn from past mistakes and manage other people’s money responsibly.
Unfunded mandates keep property taxes high
Unfunded mandates keep property taxes high
When local governments must comply with a new state law, it often increases costs. Those costs are passed on to the taxpayer.
3 ways to balance Chicago’s next budget without tax hikes
3 ways to balance Chicago’s next budget without tax hikes
Chicago might have just avoided a property tax hike, but city leaders couldn’t figure out how to pass the 2025 budget without other tax and fee increases. Here’s what the city should do to avoid repeating the same budgeting mistakes next year.
46 towns have passed a grocery tax. Is your town next?
46 towns have passed a grocery tax. Is your town next?
Already 46 towns around Illinois have voted to impose a 1% grocery tax in 2026. Other Illinoisans will start to save 1% on groceries when the statewide tax ends.
Eggnog tax: Illinois to make $2.5B from alcohol, other sin taxes
Eggnog tax: Illinois to make $2.5B from alcohol, other sin taxes
You might celebrate the holiday season by indulging in not-so-healthy habits. State lawmakers are encouragingly discouraging you for the sake of their budget.
Watch those holiday movies now: Chicago’s amusement tax rises $12.9M in 2025
Watch those holiday movies now: Chicago’s amusement tax rises $12.9M in 2025
In 2015 Chicago became the first city to add its 9% amusement tax when you streamed your favorite holiday shows or Christmas carols. It was one of the nation’s highest. But in 2025 it increases to 11% as the city tries to squeeze another $12.9 million from viewers.
Holiday scratch-off tickets surpass $2 billion in sales
Holiday scratch-off tickets surpass $2 billion in sales
Holiday scratch-off tickets are a popular stocking stuffer. Illinoisans dropped about $2 billion on tickets in a year, and it’s the biggest moneymaker for the Illinois Lottery.
Chicago mayor gets budget without his $300M in property tax hikes
Chicago mayor gets budget without his $300M in property tax hikes
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was denied a $300 million property tax hike, then a $150 million property tax hike, then a $68.5 million property tax hike. He got his 2025 city budget, and aldermen forced him to keep his campaign pledge not to raise property taxes.
Record-setting holiday season expecting nearly 120M travelers
Record-setting holiday season expecting nearly 120M travelers
AAA estimates nearly 120 million people will travel 50 miles or more this holiday season. Most of those will travel by car, so Illinois’ gas taxes will make it an expensive ride for them.