State of Illinois

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State Expects to Clear Backlog of Unpaid Income Tax Refunds in FY2013

      Although the State of Illinois is still burdened with a multibillion-dollar backlog of unpaid bills, one…

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State Bonds Downgraded Again But Still Investment Grade

The State of Illinois’ bond rating was reduced again this week but despite being one of the lowest rated state credits it remains well above the level assigned to speculative debt. On August 29, 2012 Standard & Poor’s (S&P)…

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Update: TRS Postpones Investment Rate Decision

The State’s largest retirement system postponed until September a decision on whether to reduce the system’s assumed rate of return on investment — a decision that could result in an increase in the annual State contribution required by…

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Pensions Consume Growing Share of State Revenues

On August 17, 2012, Illinois legislators adjourned a special one-day session of the General Assembly…

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State’s FY2013 Budget Still Missing Significant Components

The State of Illinois’ enacted budget for FY2013 is missing key components needed to carry out the General Assembly’s spending plan, according to a recent filing in…

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Civic Federation Releases Illinois Enterprise Zone Issue Brief

Earlier today, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation intended to add transparency, accountability and competition to the State’s…

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Illinois Enterprise Zones: An Issue Brief

This issue brief examines how enterprise zones currently operate in Illinois. Enterprise zones are geographic areas designed by state and/or local governments to stimulate economic growth and create or retain jobs in economically depressed…

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State to Seek General Assembly Approval for Medicaid Expansion

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on national healthcare reform, Illinois officials plan to seek authorization from the Illinois General Assembly to…

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Enterprise Zones: Illinois and Other States

As discussed here previously the Illinois General Assembly recently passed a sweeping overhaul of its Enterprise Zone Act. If signed by the Governor, the…

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State Revenues Higher Than Expected In FY2012

Total revenues collected by the State of Illinois in FY2012 beat expectations by $576 million, according to an update from the General Assembly’s financial oversight commission. However, the same report suggested that stalled economic…