This article discusses a proposed constitutional amendment that would make the State of Illinois’ transportation revenue off limits for other purposes, noting that the amendment would not prevent State tax increases. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, remarks that attempting to fix State roads without raising taxes fails to recognize Illinois’ current financial situation.
This editorial discusses a proposed amendment to the Illinois constitution that would restrict the State of Illinois in how it uses transportation-related revenues. The editorial board urges Illinoisans to vote ‘no’ on the provision. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall is cited, noting that maintaining safe roads is not by default more important than maintaining safe schools, higher…
This article examines a proposed constitutional amendment that would prevent the State of Illinois from diverting transportation funds for other uses and discusses the potential consequences it could have. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, remarks that the proposed amendment wouldn’t guarantee adequate future transportation funding and would further hinder Illinois lawmakers in…
This article discusses a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2016 ballot that would prevent the State of Illinois from diverting transportation funds for other uses. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall explains that transportation funding is part of an overall state budget and should be treated as such. The article also references a recent Civic Federation blog post on…
This segment discusses the long-term damage being done to the State of Illinois as the State approaches one full year without a budget in place. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall discusses the consequences of the budget impasse and says Illinois is sending the wrong message to citizens and businesses by not having a budget.
With the current year’s budget still incomplete, the State of Illinois is now facing the prospect of starting another year without a financial plan. Due to a political dispute between Illinois’ Republican Governor and Democratic legislators who control the General Assembly, the State does not have a comprehensive budget for fiscal year 2016, which ends on June 30. Despite recent efforts by…
This segment discusses the State of Illinois’ almost year-long budget impasse and how the expiration of the 2011 temporary income tax hike in 2015 has affected the State’s finances. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall remarks that Illinois never had a plan for the expiration of the temporary income tax or how the State would handle the huge decrease in revenues.
This segment reports on the State of Illinois paying more than $900 million in penalties for late bill payments in the past six years, which is highlighted in the Civic Federation’s recent analysis of Governor Rauner’s FY2017 proposed budget. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, remarks that spending almost a billion dollars on penalties is basically fiscal mismanagement and notes…
This editorial reports on findings included in the Civic Federation’s recent analysis of Governor Rauner’s FY2017 proposed budget and discusses the budget’s issues. The Editorial Board says the Federation’s analysis is correct in its conclusion that parts of the Governor’s proposed spending plan are imprudent and unrealistic.
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 service. The State relies heavily on the sale of bonds to fund the capital budget. The original Illinois Jobs Now! capital program passed in 2010 included…
