Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “fair tax” plan falls far short of the revenue needed to pay for his spending promises – feeding fears of future tax hikes on middle-class families.

Without serious property tax relief – including pension reform – it is likely fewer will demand planting roots in Illinois.

Lawmakers sold 21 new taxes and fees as necessary to rebuild crumbling roads and bridges and balance the budget. Instead, taxpayers will be funding dog parks, swimming pools, snowmobile paths, a vacant theater and pickleball courts.

Illinoisans' pain at the pump will be more acute than ever now that the state's motor fuel tax has doubled to 38 cents per gallon from 19 cents.

The problems plaguing courtrooms throughout Illinois are well-documented. Our courts have seen ridiculous cases over having too many peanuts in a bag of mixed nuts or allegations of being “injured” by paying higher prices for products than their self-claimed worth.

Your job, your pension, or your home. This is the choice left to several families in Harvey, Illinois. They can’t have all three and some don’t even have the choice of one.