Government
Illinois residents slammed by sales taxes
Illinois residents are being slammed by ever-rising taxes, from a tax on soda pop in Cook County to a citywide tax increase of 0.5 percent in Danville.
Illinois Policy Institute
Recent News About Illinois Policy Institute
Government
Madigan camp downplays severity of business exodus from state
Illinois lost more residents in a recent one-year period than any other state, the U.S. Census said in a report this week.
Government
Illinois may be heading for recession, think tank reports
Illinois lawmakers are considering a multibillion-dollar tax hike that the Illinois Policy Institute says may worsen the state’s already weakened economy.
Government
Senate's proposed tax increase likely to encourage more out-migration
As state income taxes go up, Illinois’ population continues to drop -- dramatically.
Government
High property taxes a multilayered problem in Illinois
Property owners in Illinois are the hardest hit in the nation when it comes to taxes. And the property tax burden coupled with falling home values is crippling homeowners and leading many Illinois families to deduce that buying a home in Illinois just isn’t worth it.
Government
Think tank, state reps propose Budget Solutions 2018 plan to close $7.1 billion deficit
The Illinois Policy Institute is proposing a budget conservative group leaders contend would put an end to the state’s nearly two-year impasse, closing a $7.1 billion deficit without adding any new taxes.
Government
Protests greet Madigan's controversial re-election as House speaker
In one of the first votes by the newly sworn-in Illinois House, long-serving House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) was re-elected to a 17th term in that seat.
Government
Ives: Economic outcome of reforms in proposed budget plan 'not going to move the needle one bit'
Illinois Senate leaders are reportedly still negotiating the proposed budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent.
Government
Critics point out hypocrisy in Madigan attack on Rauner regarding wealth and power
There's a certain hypocrisy to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) accusing Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of holding the budget process hostage for his wealthy friends and big business in general, a radio talk show's co-hosts said recently.
Government
Frustrated Illinois manufacturer flees to Indiana's 'affordable shore' next door
The president of a company that moved from Illinois to Indiana said recently on a Chicago radio talk show that he looks back on Illinois and hopes one day the state will get its act together.
Government
Analysis: Illinois has nation's steepest 'wealth flight' income differential
After Illinois’ personal income tax was hiked just 2 points — from 3 to 5 percent — in early 2011, a record number of residents packed their bags, revealing what the Illinois Policy Institute termed “wealth flight.”
Government
Workers' comp reform a top priority for Rauner in 2017
Getting Illinois back on its feet has been a top priority for Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner since he took office two years ago.
Government
Policy Institute: Amazon perks to open Aurora facilities amount to 'bribery'
While online mega-retailer Amazon.com’s recently disclosed plan to open two facilities in Aurora appears to signal better business for Illinois, with 1,000 new jobs announced, some analysts said the giant retailer actually will be receiving more than it gives.
Government
Anti-Madigan rally planned in Springfield
The Illinois Policy Institute has announced an upcoming rally opposing Rep. Mike Madigan's (D-Chicago) re-election as speaker of the House.
Government
Tribune: Illinois residents aren't frogs, won't remain in Madigan's boiling pot
Invoking an old wives’ tale referring to ambivalent, “average" amphibians, the Chicago Tribune recently created an analogy between disinterested Illinois taxpayers and a hypothetical pot of frog stew to illustrate the state’s simmering fiscal status.