The State of Illinois’ bond rating was reduced again this week but despite being one of the lowest rated state credits it remains well above the level assigned to speculative debt. On August 29, 2012 Standard & Poor’s (S&P)…
The State’s largest retirement system postponed until September a decision on whether to reduce the system’s assumed rate of return on investment — a decision that could result in an increase in the annual State contribution required by…
On August 17, 2012, Illinois legislators adjourned a special one-day session of the General Assembly…
The State of Illinois’ enacted budget for FY2013 is missing key components needed to carry out the General Assembly’s spending plan, according to a recent filing in…
Earlier today, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation intended to add transparency, accountability and competition to the State’s…
This issue brief examines how enterprise zones currently operate in Illinois. Enterprise zones are geographic areas designed by state and/or local governments to stimulate economic growth and create or retain jobs in economically depressed…
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on national healthcare reform, Illinois officials plan to seek authorization from the Illinois General Assembly to…
As discussed here previously the Illinois General Assembly recently passed a sweeping overhaul of its Enterprise Zone Act. If signed by the Governor, the…
Total revenues collected by the State of Illinois in FY2012 beat expectations by $576 million, according to an update from the General Assembly’s financial oversight commission. However, the same report suggested that stalled economic…
The State of Illinois budget for fiscal year 2013 underfunds the expected cost of State group health insurance by at least $550 million, paving the way for a significant increase in unpaid bills unless more spending is authorized later…
