Category Archives: Illinois

Since the Dead Vote, Why Can’t They Get Tax Exemptions?

Posted on November 9, 2014 by Russ

I grew up in Chicago. It’s legendary in Chicago that the dead vote. My father told me that during the 1960 presidential election that Democrats waited to see how many of the dead they needed to vote to ensure that … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Property Taxes | 1 Comment

Bears Sacked; Lose Court Case Worth $4.1 Million

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Russ

No, Jay Cutler didn’t throw one of his usual interceptions. Instead, Judge Mary Mason of the 1st District Illinois Appellate Court ruled that the Chicago Bears had underpaid Cook County’s Amusement Tax. The story begins when ancient Soldier Field was … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois | Tagged | 1 Comment

It’s Only a 56% Tax Increase…

Posted on June 8, 2014 by Russ

In the, “Tales, I win, heads, you lose” news of the week comes word of a 56% increase in Chicago’s telephone tax. The tax increase might prevent a $50 million property tax increase…but then again it might not. The issues … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois | Comments Off on It’s Only a 56% Tax Increase…

Illinois’ Bankrupt Pension Systems and Tax Hikes

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Russ

I was born and raised just outside of Chicago. I still root for Chicago sports teams (Blackhawks, Bears, and Cubs). Yet I’m quite happy that I don’t reside in Illinois today. Illinois’ pension systems are basically bankrupt and Democrats in … Continue reading →

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The Flow of AGI from One State to Another

Posted on July 20, 2013 by Russ

From watchdog.org comes an interesting interactive map showing how money has flowed from state to state. Back when I moved to Nevada from California, I noted this issue. Here’s yet more verification that this is real. The five biggest losers … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, California, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas | 1 Comment

Beavers Convicted: Loans Require Payback

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Russ

I’m shocked, just shocked to find out that there’s corruption in Chicago. Actually, I’m not. I’m just surprised to find out that gambling led to the downfall of a cog in the Democrats’ machine politics in the Windy City. Commissioner … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Tax Evasion | Tagged | 1 Comment

It’s 6,219 Miles from Calumet City to Amman

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Russ

What does Calumet City, Illinois have in common with Amman, Jordan? To be honest, not very much at all. However, this story begins in Calumet City and takes a detour through Amman before ending in Chicago (with a probable side … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Sales Tax | Comments Off on It’s 6,219 Miles from Calumet City to Amman

Illinois’ Pension Problems Get Worse; Lottery Checks Bounce

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Russ

Two stories out of Illinois that are, perhaps, linked. First, the Illinois Lottery forgot to send some money to their bank. While a spokesperson for the Illinois Lottery said it was a mistake, one would think that balancing the checkbook … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Pensions | 1 Comment

Jackson’s Fall Includes Tax Charge

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Russ

I was going to put in a line in this post, “Will the first Chicago politician who is honest, forthright, and not corrupt please stand up?” However, I realized that there must be some politician in the Windy City who … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Tax Evasion | Tagged , | 1 Comment

What Happens When Cigarette Taxes go Through the Roof?

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Russ

While Alan Greenspan noted, “Whatever you tax, you get less of,” the New York legislature seems to not understand. In one of the least shocking reports I’ve seen, the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) noted that the state … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, New York | Tagged | 1 Comment