Government Budgets

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City of Harvey can’t afford USD 15m loss in revenue

View the Article This article discusses the continued fiscal strain faced by the City of Harvey, a south Chicago suburb, and a potential need for…

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Chicago Lawmakers Say TIF Surplus Can Help Close CPS Budget Gap

This article reports on a proposal from local lawmakers that would use surplus TIF funds to close a portion of CPS’ budget deficit. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, commented on the need for a comprehensive plan to…

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Next CPS budget will have an even bigger hole to fill: $800 million

This article discusses the current $480 million CPS budget shortfall, impacts of the budget gap and proposed short-term solutions. President of the Civic Federation, Laurence Msall, remarked on the necessity of a long-term plan to help…

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Governor’s Budget Projection Shows Growth in Unpaid Bills

A new report by Governor Bruce Rauner’s administration projects that the State of Illinois’ backlog of unpaid bills could grow to $25.0 billion in FY2019 from $4.4 billion in FY2015 based on current tax and spending policies. The…

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Why the State Budget Impasse Might Not End until Next Winter

This article reports on the signs indicating that the State of Illinois may not have a budget until later this calendar year. Civic Federation President, Laurence Msall, discusses the looming pressures to put an end to the budget impasse.

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'Insolvent': City of Harvey is worse than broke, experts say

This article discusses that the city of Harvey, a south suburb of Chicago, is in serious financial trouble with millions of dollars unaccounted for. President of the Civic Federation, Laurence Msall, notes that the lack of records and…

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Chicago Aldermen Put the Heat on Mayor Emanuel

This article discusses an upcoming Chicago City Council vote on $3 billion worth of bond issuances for 2016. Some Aldermen have called for more time in order for the new City Council independent budget expert to review all of the plans.…

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Emanuel seeks OK for $3 billion in new borrowing

This article covers Mayor Rahm Emanuel seeking approval from City Council for $3 billion in borrowing, the biggest in his tenure. President of the Civic Federation, Laurence Msall, asks whether the record borrowing is in the best interest…

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City to Borrow Up to $3 Billion in 2016

This article reports on the City of Chicago seeking to borrow up to $3 billion dollars in 2016 to fund a mix of capital, water, sewer and airport projects. Several hundred million of the borrowing funds will go to refinancing existing city…

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Illinois Record Budget Impasse Makes It Worse for the State's Pension Disaster

This article discusses the state of Illinois ending calendar year 2015—six months into FY2016—without a budget. With the current budget impasse, spending plans have driven up borrowing costs, the state’s credit rating has sunk and…