New official reporting from the state of Illinois shows both rising debt and rising costs in state retirement systems, with essential government services again facing cuts.
1,179 bills became law last session – just 5% had a price tag
Fiscal notes serve as price tags on bills in the General Assembly. Lawmakers’ habit of omitting them limits their ability to make well-informed decisions.
Illinois Senate passes Cullerton budget, out of balance by as much as $1.5B
State senators voted to approve the 1,245-page budget just hours after it was made public.
Senate President John Cullerton says Illinois doesn’t need a revenue estimate
Agreeing on how much money one has to spend is a basic first step of budgeting.
Cap spending now: Illinois taxpayers need a responsible budget this year
Lawmakers should voluntarily adopt a spending cap to give taxpayers the certainty they deserve.
Illinois’ economy continues to fall behind other states, according to fiscal forecast
The worst years of the Great Recession are in the rear view. But if the latest gloomy fiscal forecast is any indication, Illinois' persistent policy mistakes will drag down its economic performance well into the future.
State report: Illinois economy lags nation, neighbors
The October briefing from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability outlines Illinois’ weak growth, and projects more of the same.
Illinois state budget already in deficit despite record $5 billion tax hike
With the 2018 budget set to spend at least $1.3 billion more than it takes in, members of the General Assembly have hoodwinked Illinoisans once again.
After historic tax hike, the real pain has just begun
The state will eat a 32 percent larger chunk out of most workers’ paychecks, retroactive to July 1.
Illinois on track to become first ‘junk’-rated state in nation
Credit rating agencies have warned Illinois’ credit could slide into junk territory if the legislative session ends in May without a budget deal to get the state’s finances back on track.