Government Budgets

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Civic Federation Opposes Cook County's Massive, Unjustified Tax Hikes, Personnel Increases

In a blistering report to be released to the public today, the Civic Federation announced its opposition to Cook County President Todd Stroger’s proposed $3.2 billion FY2008 budget. The full study, including comprehensive analysis and…

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Selected Consumer Taxes in the City of Chicago

This brief provides an updated compilation of selected consumer taxes, including rates and descriptions, that will be in effect in the City of Chicago on July 1, 2008. It includes such taxes as the sales tax, gas tax, amusement tax, lease…

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Estimated Full Value of Cook County Real Estate: 2005 Property Tax Assessment by Class for Property Tax Payable in 2006

This report provides estimates of the total market value of real property in Cook County from 1996-2005 and shows how property value is spread among the City of Chicago, the northern and the southern suburbs. From 1996-2005, the value of…

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Chicago Public Schools FY2008 Recommended Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation gives qualified support to the Chicago Public Schools Recommended 5.8 billion dollar FY2008 operating budget. The District has made efforts to contain costs and improve budget transparency. However, the Civic…

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Financial Impact of Charter Schools on Illinois School Districts: a Primer and Three Case Studies

This report explains the laws and funding mechanisms applicable to charter schools in Illinois and investigates how Illinois charter schools affect the finances of their host school districts. It includes three in-depth case studies of…

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City Colleges of Chicago FY2008 Tentative Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation supports the City Colleges of Chicago's tentative $473.6 million FY2008 budget because the district will reduce its overall property tax burden, exercize fiscal restraint, and has increased the amount of time allowed…

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Civic Federation Commends City Colleges Leadership for Fiscal Restraint

CIVIC FEDERATION COMMENDS CITY COLLEGES LEADERSHIP FOR FISCAL RESTRAINT District to Reduce Overall Property Tax Burden 7.8% in FY2008 The Civic Federation will announce its support of the $473.6 million FY2008 City Colleges of Chicago…

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State of Illinois FY2008 Recommended Operating Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation opposes the massive expansion of health care and long-term borrowing proposed in the FY2008 State budget recommendation, but offers qualified support for sale/lease of the State lottery and for reasonable revenue…

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State of Illinois Employee Health Insurance Plans: Analysis and Recommendations for Cost Containment

This report reviews the features and costs of the current State of Illinois employee group health insurance program, examines the fiscal impact of the program on the State operating budget, and makes policy recommendations for containing…

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Strengthening the Financial Accountability of Illinois School Districts: A Report of the Education Reform Committee of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus

This report compares Illinois school districts' financial management and accountability standards with nationwide best practices, and makes policy recommendations regarding steps Illinois should take to ensure greater financial…