Despite claims from some state lawmakers that the fiscal year 2019 budget is balanced, official reports to bond buyers admit a deficit of more than $1 billion.

A landmark case on worker freedom could have positive effects on Illinois’ fiscal health, according to a leading ratings agency.

With pension debt straining city finances, local politicians have insisted on turning to its declining population for more tax revenue.

Lawmakers claiming to have passed a balanced budget are relying on a number of common, but deceptive, budget maneuvers.

Lawmakers should voluntarily adopt a spending cap to give taxpayers the certainty they deserve.

History shows lawmakers prefer to avoid tough but necessary choices.

One rating agency cited Illinois’ “persistent crisis-like budget environment” as explanation for the state’s near-junk credit. A spending cap constitutional amendment and pension reform could go a long way toward putting the state on a healthier fiscal path.

The city's budget for fiscal year 2019 was accompanied by increases in sales and telecom taxes. But local officials still anticipate a deficit.

Record-breaking borrowing to fund Illinois' even more massive pension debt is no real solution to the state's pension problem.