Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes

Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes

March 31, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – According to a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, property taxes in the county increased at twice the rate of inflation and well above the rate of wage growth from 1995 to 2024.

The report says local officials took advantage of loopholes in a state law designed to limit tax increases to 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

School districts, which accounted for nearly 55% of the county’s property taxes in 2024, hiked taxes by 189.4% during the past 30 years.

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS CEO TO REMAIN

The Chicago Board of Education has chosen Macquline King to lead Chicago Public Schools for the next three years.

King has served as interim superintendent/CEO since last June.

When her new three-year contract takes effect on July 1, King will receive a taxpayer-funded salary of $380,000 per year.

O’FALLON POLICE CAPTURE ALLEGED BANK ROBBER

Federal authorities are crediting O’Fallon police for nabbing a bank robbery suspect.

George E. Habermehl Jr., 62, is accused of robbing a bank on Highway 50 on March 20.

Prosecutors say the O’Fallon Police Department released still images on social media and received tips identifying Habermehl, who was on probation for bank robbery and recently absconded.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Ruling: Illinois Supreme Court likely overstepped in ousting of Cook County judge

Ruling: Illinois Supreme Court likely overstepped in ousting of Cook County judge

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal judge says he believes a Cook County judge has leveled serious accusations against the Illinois Supreme Court for trampling his...
Illinois passes law to restrict new federal migrant detention centers

Illinois passes law to restrict new federal migrant detention centers

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Lawmakers passed a bill last weekend that will heavily restrict where immigration detention centers can operate in...
Alcohol tax amendments may be unconstitutional

Alcohol tax amendments may be unconstitutional

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois government officials have proposed amending the way the state taxes alcohol, but the changes may not...
Illinois quick hits: Lawsuit filed over drunk driving deal involving noncitizen

Illinois quick hits: Lawsuit filed over drunk driving deal involving noncitizen

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Lawsuit filed over drunk driving deal involving noncitizen A Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed with Urbana, Illinois, claims the city...
Michigan township denies solar expansion after months of controversy

Michigan township denies solar expansion after months of controversy

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square After months of public opposition, a southwest Michigan township has voted to deny an expansion for a utility-scale solar project. The Fayette Township Planning Commission...
Researchers put a number on how much debt U.S. can carry

Researchers put a number on how much debt U.S. can carry

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The United States has about 20 years to change course on its national debt before it reaches the estimated limits of its debt capacity, according...
Illinois to regulate intoxicating hemp products, loosen up on cannabis

Illinois to regulate intoxicating hemp products, loosen up on cannabis

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Headed to the governor’s desk is legislation that will regulate and restrict some intoxicating hemp products and...
Nevada gubernatorial candidates clash over Trump's policies

Nevada gubernatorial candidates clash over Trump’s policies

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Nevada’s gubernatorial primaries are teasers to a competitive November election that is expected to be decided by narrow margins in the swing state. Gov. Joe...
Feds cut funding for Hawaii Medicaid fraud unit

Feds cut funding for Hawaii Medicaid fraud unit

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Federal officials decertified Hawaii's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit on Thursday, citing concerns over a lack of accountability in the program. Every state that administers Medicaid...
Two Democrats, two Republicans seek attorney general seat

Two Democrats, two Republicans seek attorney general seat

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Editor's note: This is part of a series previewing the congressional and statewide races in the Nevada primary election, set for June 9. The election...
Democrats condemn Minnesota GOP convention tribute to Derek Chauvin

Democrats condemn Minnesota GOP convention tribute to Derek Chauvin

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Republicans are facing backlash after delegates at the Minnesota Republican Party's state convention voted to hold a moment of silence for former Minneapolis police officer...
Questions loom after data center legislation stalls

Questions loom after data center legislation stalls

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The speaker of the Illinois House says he thinks state lawmakers will eventually pass data center regulations,...
Feds charge 14 in Ohio fraud schemes, totaling $50M

Feds charge 14 in Ohio fraud schemes, totaling $50M

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Federal prosecutors announced charges against 14 individuals in Ohio on allegations of fraud totaling as much as $50 million. Two state employees were included in...
U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of generic drug patents

U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of generic drug patents

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision on Thursday, ruled that a cardiovascular drugmaker did not violate America's patent laws. The ruling could allow...
Former HHS secretary tied to company that could benefit from CMS screening proposal

Former HHS secretary tied to company that could benefit from CMS screening proposal

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A proposed federal rule that would expand Medicare coverage for certain colorectal cancer screening tests could benefit a company whose board includes former U.S. Health...