District Should Detail Transparent Backup Plan In a report released today, the Civic Federation announced it cannot support the Chicago Public Schools proposed FY2017 operating budget of $5.46 billion. The budget effectively remains out-…
The Civic Federation cannot support the Chicago Public Schools proposed $5.46 billion budget because it effectively remains out-of-balance by relying on uncertain funding and one-time measures in order to close a $1.1 billion operating…
This segment explores the history of Illinois’ Budget Stabilization Fund, more commonly known as a “rainy day fund.” Host Tony Sarabia and President of the Civic Federation Laurence Msall discuss the consequences for the state and for…
This article discusses the repeated depletion of the State of Illinois’ rainy day fund, due in FY2017 to the absence of a comprehensive, balanced budget. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall remarks that, in effect, Illinois continues…
The City of Chicago recently released its mid-year Annual Financial Analysis for 2016, which provides financial estimates for the City’s fiscal year ending…
This article discusses a plan to provide $20 million in property tax rebates to City of Chicago homeowners. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, notes that the program is likely to have a very modest impact to Chicago…
On June 29, 2016 the Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a resolution to present a public question via a binding countywide referendum…
This article discusses the State of Illinois’ FY2017 stopgap plan and how it will not be enough to make whole many of the programs that rely on State funding. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall remarks that the stopgap plan is…
Despite a stopgap spending measure enacted on June 30, 2016, State of Illinois appropriations for higher education remain below expenditures in…
