(SPRINGFIELD) A new report shows Illinois is number one in the nation for cell phone taxes by state. The Tax Foundation’s recent report shows the typical American household with a family share plan paying about $100 per month paid nearly $294 per year in taxes, fees, and government surcharges. Illinois continued with the highest wireless taxes in the country at 33.8%, followed by the second highest in Arkansas at just over 32%.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois was tied for third worst rate of population decline compared to last year in new annual population estimates. Between April 2020 and July 2023, Illinois lost 364,443 people, the third worst loss behind New York and California. The new U.S. Census Bureau annual estimates released yesterday show Illinois had an estimated 12,582,515 people in 2023, or 32,826 fewer than the year before, however that’s fewer losses than in 2022 when the state’s annual estimated net loss was 111,179 and fewer than 2021 with 104,209 lost.
(SPRINGFIELD) The City of East St. Louis is facing a severe financial crisis that could result in layoffs, payless paydays, and a reduction in services. The Mayor and City Council recently held a special meeting to try to resolve the financial situation. According to Fox 2 News, the City of East St. Louis failed to keep up with payments to its Firefighters and Police pension fund. The city is now on the hook for more than $7 million in past due payments.