The decision by the Chicago Public Schools Board to rescind an annual wage increase to employees in the CPS union is the focus of this article. The Civic Federation says that the action is necessary in light of CPS' enormous budget deficit.
Despite a significant increase in Illinois’ corporate income tax rate enacted in January 2011, much of the anticipated new State revenue will be offset by corporate tax incentives provided in recent changes to the federal tax code. Known…
Although lawmakers have been considering ways to cut the State of Illinois’ costs for state retiree health insurance, the General Assembly adjourned on May 31, 2011 without taking action on the issue. A bill (…
A critical fiscal process for state and local governments is the planning and funding of capital projects. The literature on best practices for capital budgeting is not as robust as for operating budgets and there is significant variety in…
The cancellation of Chicago Park District Fourth of July fireworks displays due to costs is the focus of this article. The Civic Federation says the cancellation of the displays demonstrates the dire financial straits the City is in, but…
This article discusses some of the actions made by the State of Illinois General Assembly during the spring legislative session. The article cites Civic Federation data that showed debt dedicated to the State's pension system has exceeded…
This article discusses increases to health insurance premiums paid by City of Chicago retirees. The Civic Federation says that the City should create a retiree healthcare trust fund.
After several significant budget related initiatives failed to advance out of the General Assembly, such as proposed…
This article discusses State of Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford’s resistance to proposals by State lawmakers to borrow to pay the State’s backlog of unpaid bills. The Civic Federation says that borrowing won’t ease the backlog and will…
This article examines the various disagreements over plans of how, and if, to borrow to pay off the State of Illinois’ backlog of unpaid bills. The Civic Federation says that borrowing will worsen the State’s fiscal outlook.
