Government Budgets

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City school tax hike greeted with frustration

This article about a public hearing for Chicago Public Schools budget proposal and property tax increase notes the Civic Federation’s concern that the District’s long-term fiscal situation is unsustainable.

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Public Speaks Out Against Process of Schools Budget

This article discusses public commentary at a recent Chicago Public Schools budget hearing. The Civic Federation says that CPS’ budget proposal is an estimate of its future expenditures and revenue and that budget planning is not an exact…

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CPS Leaders: 'Courageous' choices needed

This article profiles many of the major reforms Chicago Public Schools may need to make in order to ensure long-term fiscal health. The Civic Federation says that because the District’s financial problems stem in part from delayed State of…

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Cops and Firefighters: The Public Sector’s New Untouchable Upper Class?

This article discusses the issues surrounding efforts to reduce public workforces, especially with regard to public safety employees, in order to fill budget gaps. The article cites the Civic Federation’s “…

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Update: Plan to Close Oak Forest Hospital Approved

After twice rejecting the plan, a State of Illinois board voted on August 16, 2011 to allow Cook County to close Oak Forest Hospital. The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved the proposal by a vote of 7 to 1, with…

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Reserve Fund an Answer for CPS, a Question for Others

This article explores Chicago Public Schools’ decision to raise its property tax to the maximum amount allowed while also making program and staffing cuts to balance a $712 million budget gap using some of its reserves. The Civic…

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Debt-rating deluge could trickle down to cities and states

The fiscal fallout to states and local municipalities resulting from Standard & Poor’s downgrade of the United State’s debt rating is the focus of this article. The article cites the Civic Federation’s “Cost of the Crisis” report,…

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Emanuel in holding pattern over Midway

This article explores the possibility that Mayor Rahm Emanuel might consider privatizating of Midway Airport. The article cites the Civic Federation’s recommendation that the next mayor of Chicago consider leasing the airport to help pay…

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Chicago’s Inspector General: Fire 54 firefighters for alleged fraud

This article discusses allegations of fraud by Chicago Fire Department employees. The article cites the Civic Federation’s recommendation that the mayor consider making cuts to the Department to help balance the City’s budget.

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Proposed CPS budget includes property tax hike

In this news segment about Chicago Public Schools proposal to increase its property tax levy to help fill its $712 million budget gap, Civic Federation Vice President Lise Valentine says that CPS is making difficult but reasonable choices…