Bryce Hill

6 days ago | illinoispolicy.org | Bryce Hill |Ravi Mishra |Lauren Zuar

Illinois state lawmakers’ spending plan surpasses last year’s budget by $2 billion, requiring taxpayers to pay over $800 million in additional costs for yet another year of record spending. With just over 24 hours to conduct a full review, the Illinois General Assembly approved a record-setting $55.2 billion budget for 2026, after a 75-41 House vote sent the 3,000-plus page plan to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Dec 23, 2024 | illinoispolicy.org | Bryce Hill

Chicago’s public pension contributions remain lower than what actuaries say is needed to pay benefits despite a nearly six-fold increase in spending since 2014. Pension problems are driving high property taxes ever higher. Skyrocketing pension costs have been the primary driver behind Chicago’s rising property taxes for the past decade, but the city is still $440 million a year shy of what it should contribute.

Dec 19, 2024 | illinoispolicy.org | Bryce Hill

A massive influx of 112,955 international migrants boosted Illinois population in 2024, new Census Bureau data shows. Buses from Texas likely grew Illinois’ population. Illinois’ population grew by 67,899 residents from July 2023-June 2024, according to estimates released Dec. 19 by the U.S. Census Bureau. Illinois may have Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to thank: He shipped migrants by bus and plane to Chicago and other sanctuary cities to relieve the border crisis.

Dec 17, 2024 | illinoispolicy.org | Bryce Hill

Chicago’s government pension obligations have increased nearly sixfold since 2014, driving up Chicago’s sky-high property taxes. Another increase for 2025 was likely avoided, but city leaders need state lawmakers to make a permanent fix. Chicago property taxes have doubled in a decade, and public pensions are to blame.

Dec 3, 2024 | illinoispolicy.org | Bryce Hill

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pensions are worth an estimated $3.8 million after only four years as a teacher and one term as mayor. It could go even higher, depending on his next job moves. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is currently set to receive a pension worth an estimated $3.8 million through the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund and the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund.