Government Budgets

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McPier seeks approval of debt-restructuring plan

This article is about the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority’s plans to restructure its debt because of declining tourist revenue. The Civic Federation says that the State of Illinois should look closely at the Authority’s plans…

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New report puts Illinois $12.8 in the red

In this blog post, Crain’s Chicago Business columnist Greg Hinz examines the findings of an analysis conducted by the Civic Federation’s Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability’s of the FY2010 enacted State of Illinois budget,…

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Lease the tollway? Voters say no way

This article considers the possible privatization of the Illinois tollway system as a way of increasing funds for capital investment across the State. The Civic Federation is quoted saying that leasing an asset can bring in much-needed…

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Illinois, Under Siege, Turns to Big BAB Sale

This article examines the State of Illinois’ plan to sell $1 billion in Build America Bonds to raise funds for capital projects. The article mentions that Illinois will have a two-year deficit going into FY2011 of $12.8 billion as reported…

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County health system spent $42 million less than budgeted in 2009

This article discusses how the Cook County Health and Hospital System ended 2009 $42 million under budget. The Civic Federation says that the Health System is showing progress under its new management and board.

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Update on State’s Plan for Medicaid HMOs

The State of Illinois has unveiled more details about its plan to enroll elderly and disabled Medicaid recipients in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and has announced that the plan is expected to save taxpayers nearly $200 million…

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State Still Waiting On Budget Reform

Although the Governor and General Assembly enacted laws to provide for ethics reform and campaign finance reform last year, much needed fiscal reform of the State’s budget has yet to make it to the top of the legislative agenda in Illinois…

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CTA Service Cuts Looming, But Are they Enough to Balance the Budget?

On February 7 the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will implement layoffs and service reductions intended to reduce its FY2010…

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Despite Deficit State Spending Still Growing

The Civic Federation’s Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability recently released its examination of the State of Illinois’ enacted FY2010 budget. The analysis shows that the State already faces a two-year budget deficit going into…

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CTA cuts bosses, costs

This article explains how CTA President Richard Rodriguez has reduced the number of managers and personnel costs at the Authority. The Civic Federation is quoted commending Rodriguez’s moves to reduce spending, but expressed concern that…