Government Budgets

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The Section 25 Exception: How Illinois Defers Medicaid Bills

With new attention being paid to the cost of the State of Illinois’ Medicaid program, it seems logical to ask why the total annual costs…

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When is a temporary tax increase really temporary?

This article examines the challenge facing several states that enacted temporary tax increases during the recession and now face long-term budget challenges as the increases are scheduled to sunset. The Civic Federation says that the…

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ISN puts IL proposed budget through math check

This article examines Governor Pat Quinn’s FY2013 budget proposal and includes reaction from the Civic Federation that the Governor’s budget is a step in the right direction because proposed General Funds expenditures appear to be below…

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Governor’s FY2013 Budget Acknowledges Depth of Financial Crisis

On February 22, 2012, Governor Pat Quinn presented his administration’s fourth annual budget for the State of Illinois. The

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Quinn Budget To Rely On Facility Closures, Medicaid Cuts

Governor Quinn’s FY2013 Budget Address proposed unspecified Medicaid cuts of $2.7 billion and the consolidation or closure of 62 State facilities. The Civic Federation says that painful, difficult reductions are necessary to address the…

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Medicaid cuts would squeeze struggling hospitals even more

This article discusses Governor Quinn’s proposal  to cut $2.7 billion from the State’s Medicaid program. It cites the Civic Federation’s report that General Funds costs for…

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Illinois' Quinn Stresses Pension and Medicaid Reform

This article discusses Governor Quinn’s call to stabilize the State’s pensions and restructure the Medicaid program. The article cites the Civic Federation’s projection that, without action, the State’s unpaid bills could rise to $34.8…

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Chicago Park District Approves Tax Subsidy to Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture

On February 8, 2012, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to provide the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (IPRAC) $243,407 in funds from the District’s personal property tax replacement (PPRT)…

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Time for Illinois to save Honest Abe's reputation

In advance of Governor Pat Quinn's budget address on February 22, this op-ed by Civic Federation President Laurence Msall discusses Illinois' damaged fiscal reputation. The piece offers recommendations for stabilizing the State's finances…

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Senate Hearing Sets Stage for Governor’s FY2013 Budget Recommendation

A week before Governor Pat Quinn’s FY2013 budget address, a panel of Illinois State senators met in Chicago to hear testimony on the State’s major budget challenges: rising Medicaid costs and unfunded pension liabilities. The Senate’s two…