Illinois quick hits: 37th for tax competitiveness; train to Miami starting soon

By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square

37th for tax competitiveness 

Illinois is in the bottom half of a new ranking that indicates states with structurally sound tax systems that prioritize broad bases and low rates are more competitive than those that aren’t.

The Tax Foundation report shows that states that forgo one or more of the major taxes tend to do well, and the states landing near the bottom of the rankings tend to have several issues in common including complex, nonneutral taxes with comparatively high rates.

Illinois is ranked 37th on the list. 

Adoption Awareness Month

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proclaimed November Adoption Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is celebrating the lifelong commitment thousands of families across the state have made by opening their hearts and homes to over 19,000 children who have needed a loving family in the past decade.

Courtrooms across the state are also opening their doors to finalize the adoptions during special Adoption Day celebrations on Nov. 22 in Chicago and Marion, Nov. 23 in Rockford, and Dec. 27 in Edwardsville.

Train to Miami starting soon

Starting next week, Illinoisans will be able to take a train from Chicago to Miami.

The “Floridian” line will start in Chicago and make stops in Cleveland, Washington D.C., Orlando and Tampa before hitting its final stop in Miami.

According to Amtrak, the trip will take nearly 48 hours to complete with tickets starting at just over $100.