FY2016

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Emanuel keeps Wall Street waiting on pension overhaul

This article explains that the City of Chicago has yet to provide alternative reforms for two of its pension funds after an Illinois Supreme Court ruling overturned the City’s previous reform plan. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall…

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Editorial: Pot, meet kettle

This editorial reports on findings included in the Civic Federation’s recent analysis of Governor Rauner’s FY2017 proposed budget and…

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State Capital Budget Shortfall Continues to Grow

The State of Illinois can add another complication to its already stressed financial condition, an $800.7 million shortfall in its capital spending plan caused by failure in several of the dedicated revenue sources enacted to fund debt…

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Civic Federation rips Rauner budget, declares Illinois finances at 'new low'

This article discusses the Civic Federation’s recent analysis of Governor Rauner’s FY2017 proposed budget for the State of Illinois that…

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States and Localities Move to Eliminate Sales Tax on Female Hygiene Products

The City of Chicago and Cook County recently joined a number of states nationwide in a move to exempt female hygiene products from the sales tax.   At the Local Level On March 16, 2016 the Chicago City Council…

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Illinois Swap Liabilities Looming After Downgrades

The State of Illinois’ budget impasse could cost taxpayers another $138 million due to liabilities associated with its swaps portfolio, if the lack of a spending plan causes its bond ratings to fall much further. As previously…

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McCormick Place Plan For Lucas Museum Under Scrutiny

This article discusses the City of Chicago’s billion-dollar plan to build the George Lucas Museum of Narrative Art that will require borrowing and tax increases. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, explains that until an…

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Comptroller Munger: ‘Devastating’ Budget Stalemate Needs to End

This article reports on Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger addressing the budget impasse by delaying paychecks to lawmakers until the stalemate is resolved. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall remarks that the Comptroller’s plan…

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Emanuel's Lucas Museum plan is expensive long shot

This article examines the amount of borrowing and tax increases necessary for the City to construct the George Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, notes that it would be difficult to prioritize…

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State Comptroller: Lawmakers Will Have To Wait For Paychecks

This article discusses an announcement by Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger that lawmakers’ paychecks will be delayed as a result of the ongoing budget impasse. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall notes that not having an FY2016…