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Tim Jones

Tim Jones is a regular BGA freelance contributor who often writes about Illinois policy and economy.

Articles:

Investigation

Pressure on Property Taxes Mounts for Towns Across Illinois Amid Pension Burden

Police and fire pension costs in towns and larger cities outside Chicago have grown at a greater rate than property taxes. That is forcing some city leaders to make tough decisions on services and staff.
Oct 30, 2019 6:00 AM
Explainer

Latest Pension Play Is No Guaranteed Fix

If Illinois’ Constitution prevents lawmakers from curbing rising pension costs, then change the Constitution, advocates say. But experts warn a voter-approved rewrite may lead to a lengthy legal challenge and end, once again, without a permanent solution.
Jun 26, 2019 6:30 AM
Explainer

Poor Left, Rich Thrived When Illinois Hiked Flat Tax

As Illinois debates whether to raise taxes on the rich, IRS data show better off tax filers stayed put when flat tax rates jumped a few years ago despite fears so called job creators would leave the state to avoid paying the increase.
Apr 8, 2019 5:00 AM
Explainer

Millennials and Market Saturation Raise Doubts About New Casino Push

Talk of new Chicago and Downstate casinos is resurfacing among politicians as an answer to government fiscal woes. But casino revenue is off sharply from its heights, and the industry is struggling to attract younger gamblers.
Feb 6, 2019 2:00 PM
Explainer

Path Not Easy for Pritzker’s Tax-the-Rich Plan

There is often a disconnect between tax policies voters say they back and those they vote for. That’s the dilemma facing Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker, who says he wants to amend the state constitution to allow for a graduated tax that will increase the burden on the wealthy.
Dec 13, 2018 6:00 AM