Government Budgets

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Civic Federation: Tax Hike Won’t Lower Deficit

This news segment explores the effect that the proposed increase in State of Illinois income taxes may have on individuals and businesses. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall says the State’s plans will not make a dent in its deficit…

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Ill. Legislators pause before big tax push

This article discusses efforts by legislators in Springfield to garner support for an increase in the State of Illinois’ income taxes. The Civic Federation says that if the State does not make major budget cuts between now and FY2015 when…

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Chicago Corruption

Civic Federation President Laurence Msall was a guest on Milt Rosenberg’s “Extension 720” program with the Better Government Association’s Andy Shaw. Mr. Msall discussed the City of Chicago’s finances and other topics.

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A tax outrage

This editorial discusses the effect that an increase to the State of Illinois’ taxes may have on businesses. The Civic Federation says that if the State goes through its plan to borrow money to pay into its pension systems and pay off…

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Chicagoans concerned over proposed tax increase

In this news segment about the State of Illinois’ plans to raise revenue through a tax increase, Civic Federation President Laurence Msall says that raising taxes without making budget cuts does not fix the State’s fiscal problems. Mr.…

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Bond investors want Illinois to dig deeper

This article discusses concerns in the bond market that the State of Illinois’ recent tax increase does not do enough to correct the State’s precarious finances. The Civic Federation says the bond market is especially concerned with…

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Editorial: Let the state cost-cutting begin

This editorial about the recent State of Illinois income tax increase, which includes an annual cap on spending, mentions a Civic Federation suggestion that the State should spend less than the cap and only up to available revenues.

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Reaction to Historic Tax Hike

In this segment of the "Chicago Tonight" news program, Civic Federation President Laurence Msall participates in a roundtable discussion about the State of Illinois' passage of a large income tax increase package.

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Cook County forest preserves could spend more on buying land

This article is about the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s FY2011 preliminary budget plans. The Civic Federation calls for the creation of a separate board of commissioners for the District, instead of the current system in which…

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State of Illinois Appropriations and Total Spending: An Update

In discussions of the State of Illinois’ budget, no issue is more contentious—or more confusing—than recent spending trends. Simply stated, is Illinois spending more or less than it was two years ago?…