Candy crush: Illinois slaps sales tax on Snickers, but not Twix

By Travis Nix

06/25/2018

State lawmakers should reform Illinois’ overly complicated sales taxes and other anti-business taxes, which violate guiding principles of sound tax policy.

TAGS: Chicago, franchise tax, plastic bags, sales tax, soda tax, taxes

U.S. Supreme Court decision opens door for repeal of obscure Illinois tax

By Adam Schuster, Travis Nix

06/23/2018

Illinois is expected to raise an additional $200 million in sales tax revenue due to changes in the new state budget and the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc. Lawmakers should offset this expansion of the sales tax by ending a $200 million harmful tax on business investment.

TAGS: franchise tax, sales tax, taxes, U.S. Supreme Court

Illinois tax code punishes entrepreneurs

By Michael Lucci

07/25/2016

Uniquely burdensome taxes and fees make Illinois unfriendly to entrepreneurs, and drive businesses and families out of state.

TAGS: death tax, estate tax, franchise tax, LLC fees

Illinois budget deal should include eliminating outdated corporate franchise tax

By Michael Lucci

05/19/2016

The franchise tax is complicated and confusing, and compliance wastes the time and economic resources of Illinois’ businesses.

TAGS: franchise tax, jobs, small business

Repealing Illinois’ economic loss leaders

By Michael Lucci

03/30/2015

State lawmakers from both parties are advancing legislation to repeal three of Illinois’ most costly and misguided policies.

TAGS: death tax, Ed Sullivan, franchise tax, LLC fees, regulations

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students