View the Article This article discusses the continued fiscal strain faced by the City of Harvey, a south Chicago suburb, and a potential need for state intervention. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, explains the essential changes that have to be made by the city in order to move forward and also discusses the role of the State in this matter. Mentioned in the article is the Civic Federation’s proposal for a Local Government Protection Authority, which would create a quasi-…
This article reports on a proposal from local lawmakers that would use surplus TIF funds to close a portion of CPS’ budget deficit. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, commented on the need for a comprehensive plan to responsibly address CPS’ entire budget gap.
This article discusses the current $480 million CPS budget shortfall, impacts of the budget gap and proposed short-term solutions. President of the Civic Federation, Laurence Msall, remarked on the necessity of a long-term plan to help stabilize CPS’ finances.
A new report by Governor Bruce Rauner’s administration projects that the State of Illinois’ backlog of unpaid bills could grow to $25.0 billion in FY2019 from $4.4 billion in FY2015 based on current tax and spending policies. The three-year forecast, issued on January 6, 2016, covers FY2017 through FY2019. It also includes actual budget results for FY2015, which ended on June 30, 2015, and estimated results for FY2016, which began on July 1, 2015. The projected growth in unpaid bills is not…
This article reports on the signs indicating that the State of Illinois may not have a budget until later this calendar year. Civic Federation President, Laurence Msall, discusses the looming pressures to put an end to the budget impasse.
This article discusses that the city of Harvey, a south suburb of Chicago, is in serious financial trouble with millions of dollars unaccounted for. President of the Civic Federation, Laurence Msall, notes that the lack of records and documentation to showing how the cities’ money was spent is troubling.
This article discusses an upcoming Chicago City Council vote on $3 billion worth of bond issuances for 2016. Some Aldermen have called for more time in order for the new City Council independent budget expert to review all of the plans. President of the Civic Federation, Laurence Msall, remarked on the importance of a full understanding by the City Council on the cost of this borrowing.
This article covers Mayor Rahm Emanuel seeking approval from City Council for $3 billion in borrowing, the biggest in his tenure. President of the Civic Federation, Laurence Msall, asks whether the record borrowing is in the best interest of city taxpayers.
This article reports on the City of Chicago seeking to borrow up to $3 billion dollars in 2016 to fund a mix of capital, water, sewer and airport projects. Several hundred million of the borrowing funds will go to refinancing existing city debt. Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation remarked on the need for a detailed plan regarding how this will address the city’s financial crisis.
This article discusses the state of Illinois ending calendar year 2015—six months into FY2016—without a budget. With the current budget impasse, spending plans have driven up borrowing costs, the state’s credit rating has sunk and underfunded pensions have worsened. According to the Civic Federation, Illinois is set to pay about $7.5 billion to pensions this fiscal year. The Civic Federation also noted that even with the record budget impasse, about one of every $5 dollars from the state’s…
