Government Budgets

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Cook County Health System Faces Continued Revenue Challenges

Cook County’s public health system faces significant financial challenges in fiscal year 2013, although the outlook could improve if the federal government signs off on…

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State Pension Facts: The Cost of COLAs for Illinois Teachers

In light of the State of Illinois’ pension funding crisis, it has become more widely understood that the annual Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA, plays a large role…

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For many state budgets, a year of relief

This article looks at the fiscal health of states around the country coming out of the recession. While many states are experiencing economic recovery, Illinois and California are still facing large budget gaps. The Civic Federation said…

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Enterprise Zone Reform Awaits Governor’s Approval

As part of the spring legislative session, the Illinois General Assembly approved a sweeping reform measure intended to add transparency, accountability and competition to the State’s…

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Update on State’s Backlog of Unpaid Medicaid Bills

State of Illinois officials expect unpaid Medicaid bills to decline to $600 million by the end of the 2013 budget year, but that prediction depends on…

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Record tax hike isn’t fixing Illinois’ problems

This article discusses the State of Illinois’ mounting fiscal challenges which persist despite a major income tax increase enacted in January 2011. The Civic Federation warns that Illinois already has the worst credit rating of all 50…

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State Seeks Early Medicaid Expansion for Troubled Cook County Health System

UPDATE: On May 24, 2012 the Illinois General Assembly approved legislation to permit Cook County’s public health system to obtain federal funding for medical services for low-income adults under the Medicaid program. The plan must still…

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Legislative Scholarships Update

The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation to end the Legislative Scholarship Program as of September 1, 2012—allowing lawmakers one more opportunity to award the…

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State FY2013 Budget Update

With two weeks left to go before the Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn, two budget plans for FY2013 are on the table: Governor Pat Quinn’s recommended budget and an alternative budget framework approved by the Illinois…

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Illinois House, Senate deliberating future of enterprise zones

This article discusses a bill in the Illinois General Assembly that would extend the life of special taxing districts, or enterprise zones, created to stimulate business growth in blighted areas throughout the State. The Civic Federation…