This article examines the challenge facing several states that enacted temporary tax increases during the recession and now face long-term budget challenges as the increases are scheduled to sunset. The Civic Federation says that the…
The Civic Federation supports the continuation of property tax exemptions for non-profit hospitals that qualify as charitable organizations. However, the General Assembly must establish clear, definable standards of eligibility. This…
This brief provides an updated compilation of selected consumer taxes, including rates and descriptions, in effect in the City of Chicago on February 2, 2012. It includes such taxes as the sales tax, gas tax, amusement tax, lease tax,…
On February 8, 2012, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to provide the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (IPRAC) $243,407 in funds from the District’s personal property tax replacement (PPRT)…
Data from the most recent audited financial statements of Illinois’ state and local government pension funds shows that the total unfunded liabilities for public employee pensions supported by the taxes of Chicago residents reached $14,…
Chicago residents will experience changes in a number of consumer taxes going into effect throughout 2012 as a result of policy changes at the City and County levels. The new consumer tax rates are presented in the exhibit below. Following…
In 2011 the Civic Federation blog provided weekly context, information and perspective on government budgets and fiscal issues across Illinois. Posts in 2011 focused on FY2012 local government budget analysis and the severe…
In 2011 the IIFS blog provided weekly context, information and perspective on key fiscal issues in the State of Illinois. Posts in 2011 focused on analysis of FY2012 Illinois budget negotiations, analysis of the ongoing Illinois pension…
This week marks the end of the Civic Federation's fiscal year 2012 local government budget analysis season. The nine local governments monitored by the Civic Federation include: City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, DuPage…
Spending Plan Holds the Line on Property Taxes, Begins to Reduce Structural Deficit The Civic Federation supports the proposed FY2012 Chicago Park District budget of $407.5 million because it freezes the property tax levy for the seventh…
