Lawmakers voted to approve the 1,245-page budget less than 24 hours after it was revealed to the public.

A majority of House lawmakers sided with the speaker over tapped-out taxpayers.

State senators voted to approve the 1,245-page budget just hours after it was made public.

Taxpayers in the city of Alton, which has identical borders to that of Alton Township, could see savings through consolidation.

Springfield is struggling to juggle its priorities, with state lawmakers pressing up against time to pass a budget for the coming fiscal year.

Reductions in state subsidies are one reason for Decatur’s predicament, but long-running pension woes are an even larger source of pain.

The Civic Federation’s criticism of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget is a mixed bag, with its own proposals for Illinois’ financial crisis – including nearly $3 billion in tax hikes – missing the mark.

As local leaders reach an agreement with the city’s public safety unions, the retirement security of Carbondale’s police and fire workers slides further out of reach.