State of Illinois

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Illinois Spending Continues Without an FY2016 Budget

Even without an annual operating budget, the State of Illinois has already spent billions of dollars for the fiscal year that began on July 1,…

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Capital Budget Approved But Some Capitol Renovations Nixed

Although the State of Illinois in entering the second month of its new fiscal year without an operating budget, the Governor and General Assembly have agreed on a capital construction budget for fiscal year 2016.   Governor Bruce…

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Why Illinois Lawmakers Stand to Receive Pay Increases

More than three weeks into fiscal year 2016, the State of Illinois continues to operate without an annual budget. Despite the lack of a budget…

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Illinois Starts New Fiscal Year Without a Budget

The State of Illinois’ new fiscal year began on July 1, 2015 without an annual budget and with no clear end in sight to the impasse between Governor Bruce Rauner and the General Assembly. On July 9, the legislature was…

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Illinois Legislature Passes $36.3 Billion FY2016 Spending Plan

The Illinois General Assembly has approved a $36.3 billion general operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year with an acknowledged shortfall of at least $3.0 billion in revenues. The package of approximately 20 appropriation bills and…

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Proposed Gaming Expansion Revenues Likely Inadequate to Rescue Illinois and Chicago Finances

UPDATE: Subsequent to the publication of this blog,

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Supreme Court Pension Ruling Adds to FY2016 Budget Pressures

An Illinois Supreme Court decision overturning legislation to reduce the State’s massive pension costs will add to the difficulty of creating a balanced operating budget for the year that begins on July 1, 2015. The high court…

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State of Illinois FY2016 Recommended Operating Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation opposes Governor Bruce Rauner’s recommended budget for FY2016 because it relies heavily on projected savings that do not appear to be achievable or prudent in light of the State of Illinois’ obligations and long-term…

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Civic Federation – Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Forum Examines Sin Taxes

The Civic Federation joined with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago on April 2, 2015 to co-host a conference on the use, efficacy and future of sin taxes. Experts, practitioners and academics from around the country gathered to discuss…

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State Construction and Local Tax Funds Allocated for Illinois Operating Budget

A week after passing legislation to address a $1.6 billion budget deficit before the end of the fiscal year in June, the State swept $300 million into its operating accounts from funds designated to pay for annual transportation…