In-depth reporting by AM 580 News
Listen to the latest AM 580 Newscast:
Play now:
Story category: taxation
Voters Mull Over a 1% Sales Tax for Schools
Story air date: Thursday, April 02, 2009

Voters in Champaign County will have the future of education funding in their hands when they hit the polls next Tuesday. At issue is a referendum to raise the county sales tax by a penny per dollar. The money would fund school building projects, pare down debt and potentially lower property taxes. As AM 580’s Tom Rogers reports, after one failed attempt, the referendum’s supporters are taking nothing for granted.
Audio archives:
Play now:
Download: mp3 file
Story links:
- Champaign County CLASS Website
- Champaign Co. Chamber of Commerce position paper on sales tax (from November 2008)
Story categories:
business • education • politics • taxationIllinois Governor Pat Quinn's Budget Address
Story air date: Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Governor Quinn addressed the Illinois General Assembly at noon today.
Audio archives:
Play now:
Download: mp3 file
Story links:
Story categories:
economy • government • Illinois • politics • taxation • University of IllinoisELECTION 2008: Voters Say No to Tax Referenda
Story air date: Wednesday, November 05, 2008

If you're a Champaign County resident who fears rising tax bills during a shaky economy, the resuults from the general elections are good -- all four tax hike questions on the ballot were defeated. Townships, school districts and the county forest preserve district sought the tax increases. But in every case, the answer from voters was no. AM 580's Jim Meadows reports.
Audio archives:
Play now:
Download: mp3 file
Story categories:
business • education • government • Champaign County • elections • politics • taxationELECTION 2008: The Next County Auditor
Story air date: Monday, October 27, 2008
The two candidates for Champaign County Auditor say county finances are on shaky ground, and the global economic crisis may make matters worse. Each candidate says they’re the best choice to keep an eye on those finances for the next four years. AM 580’s Jim Meadows reports.
Audio archives:
Play now:
Download: mp3 file
Story categories:
government • Champaign County • politics • taxationELECTION 08: Raising the Sales Tax for Schools
Story air date: Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Frustration with state government over education funding reform has led to the call for a higher sales tax in Champaign County. The county’s 14 school boards promise local property tax relief if voters approve a one-percent hike in the county’s sales tax. As AM 580’s Tom Rogers reports, it’s generated some uneasiness – even among some people who say schools need more money.




