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Top Illinois Democrats call U.S. Supreme Court ruling on voting rights a ‘crushing blow to our democracy’

April 30, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Gov. JB Pritzker is speaking out about the U.S. Supreme Court striking down a voting map in Louisiana, which opens the door for other states to redistrict their maps. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon said on Wednesday that a proposed state constitutional amendment on redistricting will not advance this legislative session so that legal experts can review the ruling and evaluate the best response for Illinois.

By Tina Sfondeles | Chicago Sun*Times

Former President Barack Obama and key Illinois Democrats, including Gov. JB Pritzker and Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, are condemning Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to dilute a Voting Rights Act provision, which is likely to lead to redistricting across the country and could help Republicans continue to control the House.

The Supreme Court struck down a majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana, diluting a Civil Rights-era law aimed at increasing minority representation in Congress and elsewhere. In the 6-3 ruling, the court’s majority found the Louisiana district represented by Democrat Cleo Fields relied too heavily on race. Justice Samuel Alito called the map “an unconstitutional gerrymander.”

The ruling is likely to impact elections in 2028, since many filing deadlines for this year’s elections have passed, including in Illinois. Louisiana may have to change its redistricting plan to comply with the ruling, however.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, said on Wednesday a proposed state constitutional amendment on redistricting will not advance this legislative session so that legal experts can review the ruling and evaluate the best response for Illinois.

Obama said the ruling “effectively guts a key pillar of the Voting Rights Act, freeing state legislatures to gerrymander legislative districts to systematically dilute and weaken the voting power of racial minorities — so long as they do it under the guise of ‘partisanship’ rather than explicit ‘racial bias.’”

The former president said in a statement that the conservative majority on the Supreme Court is “abandoning its vital role in ensuring equal participation in our democracy and protecting the rights of minority groups against majority overreach.”

Article continues here.

Posted in Chicago Sun*Times, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Immigration, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield | Leave a Comment »

Pritzker’s 57 tax and fee hikes cost Illinoisans $77 billion

April 29, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The governor has presided over $77 billion in increases while Illinois’ economic growth lags.

By Ravi Mishra | Illinois Policy Institute

Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants more tax and fee hikes even after presiding over at least 57 of them since 2019 and with Illinois’ budget still in dysfunction.

New tax and fee burdens under Pritzker have cost taxpayers more than $77 billion. Last year alone, Illinoisans paid $16.5 billion more in state taxes than they would have if taxes stayed consistent with 2018 levels.

The median Illinois household now pays nearly $1,400 more per year in state taxes than it would have under prior levels.

Examples of recent tax policy moves in Illinois:

  • The gas tax was doubled in 2019 from $0.19 to $0.38 per gallon and indexed to annual increases to inflation. It now stands at 48.3 cents per gallon.
  • The net-operating-loss deduction was capped in 2021, effectively double-taxing Illinois companies.
  • Late last year Pritzker signed a bill decoupling Illinois from federal business tax cuts.

Property taxes have risen 27% under Pritzker’s watch. While driven by local decisions, state policy, particularly around pension and school funding, has pressured local governments and contributed to those hikes.

Article continues here.

Posted in Barrington Education Association, Cost of Living, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Fat Bastard, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

CUSD 220 Notice of document destruction

April 29, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Notice is hereby given that Community Unit School District No. 220 in Barrington, Illinois will be destroying all temporary regular and special education records for students who graduated, transferred, or permanently withdrew from Barrington schools as of June 2021.

Students over the age of 18 or custodial parents interested in obtaining copies of these records may do so by contacting: Student Services Department, 847-842-3507, 515 W. Main Street, Barrington, Illinois 60010 BEFORE June 15, 2026.

Source

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Barrington High School, Daily Herald, Illinois Federation of Teachers, School Districts, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Area Council of Governments meets tonight

April 28, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) is scheduled to meet this evening beginning at 6:00 PM at the Village of South Barrington Village Hall, 30 South Barrington Road. Their meetings will include:

  • 6:00 PM – Finance
  • 6:40 PM – Nominations
  • 7:00 PM – Executive Board

Meeting agendas are not posted by BACOG, nor are minutes, but their website does state, “Copies of approved minutes for BACOG committee and executive board meetings are available upon request. Please submit requests by email to bacog@bacog.org.

Posted in Appointments, BACOG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Lennie, Open Meetings Act, Overhead, Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Village President | Leave a Comment »

Cuba Township Assessor Shares: Important Update Regarding Upcoming Property Tax Bills

April 28, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Important Update Regarding
Upcoming Property Tax Bills

(Please click on image to enlarge)

Dear Cuba Township Residents

Our office would like to provide an important update regarding the upcoming May 2026 property tax bills, particularly as they relate to the November 2024 Barrington CUSD 220 referendum.

At the time of the referendum, Barrington CUSD 220 presented taxpayers with an estimated increase of approximately $236 per $500,000 of market value. Based on the tax rate information now available, this estimate appears to be significantly understated. Current projections indicate the actual impact may be closer to three times the estimated amount for similarly valued homes. The following is a link to the referendum tax calculator: Barrington 220 2024 Referendum Tax Calculator. We encourage you to compare this calculator to your May tax bill.

While we understand this increase may be concerning, it is important to clarify how property taxes are determined and the role of the Assessor’s Office in that process. Our responsibility is to establish fair and equitable property assessments based on market value. We do not set tax rates or control the budgets of taxing bodies.

Property taxes are determined by two primary components: assessed value (EAV) and tax rates. In simple terms, the total tax burden is driven by how much revenue taxing districts levy to fund their budgets. The tax rate is then adjusted to generate that amount and is distributed across all property owners based on their share of the total assessed value.

An easy way to think about this is like splitting a restaurant bill. The total check represents the amount taxing bodies have decided to spend. Each person’s share is based on what they ordered—someone who ordered a steak pays more than someone who ordered a salad, just as properties with higher assessed values pay a larger share of the total tax burden. If the total bill increases, everyone pays more, regardless of how the bill is divided.

Typically, when overall assessed values increase across a taxing district, tax rates decrease to offset that growth. However, when taxing bodies increase their levies, tax rates may rise or remain elevated to meet that higher spending level. In this case, while most taxing bodies now have a reduced rate, Barrington CUSD 220 has an increased rate, resulting in a higher overall tax burden for property owners. While factors such as the County’s equalization process may impact assessed values, they do not, by themselves, increase the total taxes collected.

For questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this increase, we encourage residents to contact Barrington CUSD 220 directly. If you would like to send a message to Board members as well as the Superintendent of Schools, please Click Here.

Barrington CUSD 220 Contact Information
District Administrative Center
515 W. Main Street
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 381-6300

Upcoming Board of Education Meetings

All regular Board of Education meetings are held on Tuesday evenings, beginning with a Closed Session at 5:30 p.m., followed by Open Session at 6:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, meetings take place at the District Administrative Center. Meetings include opportunities for public comment and provide a forum for residents to learn more and share input.

Our office remains committed to transparency and ensuring fair and accurate property assessments. If you have questions regarding your property assessment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Cuba Township Assessor’s Office
Cuba Township| Website

Cuba Township | 28000 Cuba Road
Barrington, IL 60010 US

Email sent April 20, 2026

Posted in 220, Board of Education, County, Cuba Township, District 220 referendum, FUBAR, Lake, Property Taxes, School Districts, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Hills new-construction home hits market asking $6M

April 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Modernist 11,600-square-foot estate is a departure from traditional manors in high-end northwest suburb (Google Maps, Getty)

By Caleb McCullough | The Real Deal

A newly constructed 11,600-square-foot home in Barrington Hills hit the market on Friday asking $6 million, joining a thin roster of high-end listings in the northwest Chicago suburb.

The house at 101 South Remington Drive has five bedrooms and six bathrooms and sits on a 5.3-acre lot. The 11,600-square foot home will be completed this year, according to the listing.

The mansion appears to be for sale by the builder, based on property records. Records indicate Arkadiusz Bakiej of Palos Hills purchased the lot for $360,000 in 2018.

Online information about Bakiej is sparse, but results suggest he is a homebuilder and involved in home remodeling. He’s the manager of P.A.K.I., LLC, according to Illinois business records. The listing agent on the home is listed as Iwona Bakiej, who is also involved in P.A.K.I., according to a LinkedIn page under that name.

Iwona Bakiej did not respond to a request for comment.

The home’s modern design is inspired by California luxury homes, according to the listing. It consists of staggered cubic structures with sharp geometric lines, flat roofs and full floor-to-ceiling windows, marking a departure from the more traditional English manors that dominate the Barrington area’s luxury properties.

The home has four fireplaces, a sauna, a wet bar, a walk-out basement and a five-car attached garage, according to the listing. The primary suite on the second floor includes a private fitness area and a walk-in closet, as well as a double-level patio that overlooks the grounds.

Article continues here.

Posted in Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, The Real Deal, What About The Horses? | Leave a Comment »

Pritzker pushes housing plan described as ‘all stick,’ no carrot

April 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Pritzker’s ideal community…

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pushing to prevent local communities from restricting housing development, but local leaders say state preemption of local control may not address high housing costs.

The governor discussed his Building Up Illinois Developments plan during an AARP Illinois tele-town hall on Monday and said the high cost of housing burdens one in three older households.

Pritzker said said the state’s home listings have dropped 64%.

“Our failure to build is in part due to restrictive statutes and regulations in towns, cities and counties,” the governor said.

Several of Pritzker’s proposals would restrict local authority.

The Illinois Senate Executive Committee discussed House Bills 4060, 4061, 4062, 4063 and 4064 during a subject matter hearing that lasted more than five hours on Friday.

The five bills are all part of the governor’s BUILD initiative.

More here.

Related: “Pritzker’s affordable housing plan gets Senate hearing as municipalities remain opposed,” “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning”

Posted in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Fat Bastard, Immigration, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, The Center Square, Unions, Zoning Board | Leave a Comment »

Village Board of Trustees meet tonight

April 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

A copy of their agenda, including info on listening to the meeting, can be viewed and downloaded here.

Posted in Aunt Blabby, BACOG, Board of Health, Building Department, Clown Car, ePacket Agendas, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Finance Committee, Financial Reports, Insurance Committee, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Little Duck Butt, Minutes, OMA, Pension Funding, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, Taxes, The Land We Love Run, Tree Preservation Ordinance, Unions, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village President, Village Treasurer, Yabba Dabba Doo, Zoning Board | Leave a Comment »

Editorial: A self-inflicted energy crisis is brewing in northern Illinois thanks to Springfield. Fix it.

April 26, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Scott Stantis editorial cartoon for Sun, Apr 26, 2026, on issues with Illinois’ clean-energy law. (Scott Stantis/For the Chicago Tribune)

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

Illinois’ clean energy law, meant to decarbonize the state’s power generation industry, has a loophole so large you could drive a flatbed truck through it.

We wrote a little over a week ago about how one power-plant owner has reacted to Illinois’ heavy-handed Climate & Equitable Jobs Act, or CEJA, by literally extracting six turbines from a large natural gas-fired plant in Will County and transporting them — by, yes, flatbed trucks — to Texas, where they will continue to run and support growing electricity demand in that state.

That facility, Elwood Energy, is the largest gas-fired “peaking” plant in northern Illinois (and perhaps the country). It was required under CEJA to be shuttered by 2030. Facing that deadline, the previous owner last year sold the facility in two pieces.

Six of the nine turbines at the site went to Bethesda, Maryland-based Hull Street Energy, which responded to the law’s strictures by making the audacious Texas move. Those six turbines together generate up to 900 megawatts when needed — about the same output produced by one of Constellation Energy Group’s northern Illinois nuclear reactors.

Myriad unintended consequences are flowing from the law’s foolish 2030 mandate to close a sizable number of the gas-fired plants that are critical to keeping Chicagoland’s lights on during summer heat waves and polar vortexes.

Today, we’re zeroing in on another pernicious CEJA effect, one that relates to the three remaining turbines at the Elwood site, along with other similarly critical facilities in our region.

Dairyland Power Cooperative, a power generator based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, has scooped up gas-fired plants throughout the area at what we are told are cut-rate prices. By virtue of these transactions, Dairyland will be able to operate these power stations until 2045, not 2030.

Editorial continues here.

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Elections, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield | Leave a Comment »

A World Without Billionaires

April 26, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Steve Huntley | John Kass News

You’ll be reading this on a tablet, smart phone, laptop or desktop computer. Pause for a moment to consider the wonder and magic of these devices.

They and the software already embedded in them, or added to meet your needs, do so much: Written, voice and video communications, and those available on a global scale. Encyclopedia-like sources of information. Entertainment, music and movies. Instantaneous complex calculations. Electronic credit card payments. Help to do your taxes. GPS-based travel instructions. Photographic and video memories of your life. And many more functions that you could add.

And the devices are wealth creators, generating jobs to make, market and distribute these remarkable products and inspiring new jobs and commerce in new businesses made possible by the digital revolution.

Yes, there are downsides such as obsessive screen time, the poison of social media, especially for children, and fears about AI. But no one would give up these devices that have so transformed and enriched our lives.

And they have more directly enriched their inventors, making some people fabulously wealthy, the most successful of them billionaires.

Some of the names behind the digital revolution are familiar. Like the late Steve Jobs, the genius of Apple. Michael Dell of the eponymous Dell Technologies. Bill Gates of Microsoft. Elon Musk, a trailblazer in internet, electric car and space ventures. Jeff Bezos who made tens of millions of us turn from the shopping mall to e-commerce. Mark Zuckerberg, a pioneer in social media. There are many other names you can add to this list of those who have enriched our lives and thereby made themselves fabulously wealthy.

Not among the names of those responsible for our wondrous modern lifestyle: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Or any of the other advocates of special taxes on the “rich.”

They are not inventors like those who gave us the smart phone. They are not creators like those who saw these amazing devices and thought up Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter or other social media platforms. They are not far-sighted investors who saw new ways to make money in the digital world, such as through Amazon, PayPal, Ebay and the like.

No, Sanders, AOC, Mamdani, Warren and their like can only come up with ways to pick the pocket of those who have prospered from their creative imaginations. These politicians and activists have more in common with thieves, parasites and leeches than they do with the inventive, visionary and original minds behind the technologically advanced world we live in today.

The feeble imaginations of these rabble-rousing politicians can only feed on envy, can only come up with new tax schemes. And those machinations, for all the high-minded words pushing them, have but one aim: to expand the reach of government and make as many people as possible dependent on government. That of course increases the power of the politicians pushing the schemes. Sanders and Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna of California are proposing a new wealth tax on billionaires.

Unleash Prosperity, a free-market advocacy organization, counts eight states that “already have or are considering raising income or wealth taxes.”

Illinois Democrats are pushing a constitutional amendment for 3 percent tax on anyone making more than $1 million a year. That would hit far more than billionaires, ever increasing the tax burden of doing business in Illinois for enterprises large and small. The good news is that Democrat leaders in the Legislature don’t have the votes to get it on the ballot this year. The bad news is that they aren’t giving up and will try to get it on the ballot for the 2028 election.

Commentary continues here.

Posted in John Kass, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

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