Lawmakers are back in Springfield this week to debate, among other things, a graduated income tax, extending the temporary income tax, pension fixes and more. Joining us are State Sen. Daniel Biss (D), State Rep. Christian Mitchell (D) and State Rep. Tom Demmer (R). 

There may be a painless way to solve pensions without raising property taxes that is sitting right before the mayor's eyes. Paris Schutz breaks it down for us. Read a response from Mayor Emanuel's office. 

Illinois taxpayers may be on the hook for $100 million to bring an Obama Presidential Library and Museum to Chicago. Paris Schutz has the story.

The recently passed pension reform deal paves the way for big property tax increases. But will aldermen be able to stomach the vote to raise them, or will they defy Mayor Rahm Emanuel and scuttle his pension reform deal? We talk with Ald. John Arena (45th), Ald. Will Burns (4th), and Ald. George Cardenas (12th). 

An organization that helps low-income Chicago area residents with free tax return preparation offers some important tips. View a map of tax prep centers.

How big a hit will homeowners and commercial property owners take if Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s pension reform proposal goes through? Read an article and view a chart.

Republican Illinois gubernatorial candidates Bruce Rauner, Dan Rutherford and Bill Brady provide information regarding their charitable contributions. Read an article.

We share what you had to say about The Civic Federation's proposal to balance the state's budget by taxing retirees when we read some of our viewer feedback.

Republican Illinois Lieutenant Governor candidate Jil Tracy was the last candidate to release her tax return ahead of Tuesday's March 18 Primary. Read an article about the tax returns filed by Republican gubernatorial candidates and their running mates.

With tax season upon us, local tax expert David Henderson joins us to guide you through the process and alert you of any new deductions you may be eligible for.

Billionaire Beanie Babies creator Ty Warner evades prison over his conviction of hiding money overseas. Paris Schutz explains why.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel formally introduces the city's 2014 budget to City Council, which includes new parking fees, cable taxes and speed camera revenue. How did they take it? Paris Schutz has the details. Read Emanuel's 2014 Budget Recommendation briefing and full budget address.

The billionaire maker of Beanie Babies admits to not paying taxes on offshore bank accounts. Paris Schutz has more on a government crackdown that could nab more tax cheats in the future.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the latest hit to Cook County taxpayers: they’re on the hook for almost $500,000 due to Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios wrongly firing 11 people. Also, the panel further debates the clout-heavy Metra story. Watch the web extra conversation.

Metra CEO Alex Clifford may receive up to $700,000 for stepping down, according to reports. His resignation raises questions about how the Metra is run – and whether the agency is using public dollars responsibly.

As tax day looms, the numbers show that filings are down 13 percent from where they were this time last year. This means late filers will be aplenty — but sequester will slow their lines down even more. Tax officer Mark Steber joins us to talk all things unique about filing in 2013.