Comptroller Mendoza’s plan aims to rebuild Illinois’ rainy-day fund

By Adam Schuster, Perry Zhao

08/27/2021

Automatic transfers into Illinois’ rainy-day reserves could help when another fiscal crisis similar to COVID-19 happens.

TAGS: rainy day fund

Federal Reserve throws credit lifeline to near-junk Illinois

By Adam Schuster

04/16/2020

The Federal Reserve announced unprecedented plans to directly purchase up to $500 billion in state and local government bonds. States with poorly managed finances, such as Illinois, stand to benefit most, but long-term threats loom without structural reforms.

TAGS: bonds, borrowing, coronavirus, COVID-19, credit rating, Federal Reserve, rainy day fund

Illinois’ rainy-day fund can operate state for about 15 minutes

By Brad Weisenstein

03/16/2020

With economic challenges driven by the coronavirus ahead, Illinois finds itself missing an important financial tool.

TAGS: government services, JB Pritzker, rainy day fund, revenue, small business, social services

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students