Fitch cuts Illinois credit rating, cites budget gridlock, massive debt and sluggish growth

By Austin Berg

10/19/2015

The Illinois General Assembly is refusing to fix Illinois’ structural problems. Downgrades are the consequence.

TAGS: budget, credit rating, Fitch Ratings

Illinois’ tax revenues increased more than those of any state but North Dakota since Great Recession

By Michael Lucci

10/19/2015

A new study from The Pew Charitable Trusts shows that Illinois’ tax revenues are up by 20 percent over their pre-Great Recession peak, debunking the oft-repeated mantra that Illinois is just one more tax hike away from solving its fiscal problems.

TAGS: budget, taxes

Win more than $600 in the Illinois Lottery? You get an IOU

By Hilary Gowins

10/14/2015

The state budget impasse is having increasingly embarrassing consequences.

TAGS: budget, illinois lottery

Company founded by political insiders received over $22 million from Illinois in vendor late fees

By Amy Korte

10/13/2015

The state of Illinois has paid $611 million in late fees to vendors. Political insiders who have donated to some of the state’s most powerful elected officials are reaping the benefits.

TAGS: budget, debt, unpaid bills

Illinois lottery winners to receive IOUs as lawmakers refuse reform

By Hilary Gowins

08/28/2015

A Springfield budget stalemate comes with embarrassing consequences for Illinois government.

TAGS: budget, illinois lottery, lottery

State must show plan for developmentally disabled service payments

By Mark Fitton

08/27/2015

The state is now nearly 60 days into its fiscal year with the only significant portion of its budget approved being for primary and secondary education.

TAGS: budget