Issues: Income Tax

Local governments in Illinois are prohibited from levying an income tax and the State of Illinois can only levy a flat tax, according to the state constitution. Read about recent income tax increase and reform proposals here.

Recent Research

  • 11.03.11

    Cook County FY2012 Executive Budget Recommendation: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation supports the Cook County FY2012 Executive Budget Recommendation totaling $2.9 billion. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s proposed $2.2 billion General Fund budget is a 4.6%, or $107.4 million, decrease from the FY2011 adopted budget. The budget closes a $315.2 million shortfall with $219 million in spending cuts, $53 million in revenue enhancements and over 1,000 layoffs. The County administration also appears to be on a path towards significant reform of governmental operations, as recommended by the Civic Federation in its Cook County Modernization report.

  • 05.12.08

    State of Illinois FY2009 Recommended Operating Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation opposes the unaffordable program expansions and long-term borrowing proposed in the FY2009 State budget recommendation, but supports the proposed 3% cut from non-priority agencies and other efforts to streamline and modernize state government. The Federation again strongly urges the General Assembly to implement pension benefit reforms.

  • 05.07.07

    State of Illinois FY2008 Recommended Operating Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation opposes the massive expansion of health care and long-term borrowing proposed in the FY2008 State budget recommendation, but offers qualified support for sale/lease of the State lottery and for reasonable revenue enhancements to fund education and mass transit. The Federation also urges the General Assembly to implement pension benefit reforms.