History shows lawmakers prefer to avoid tough but necessary choices.

Pensions and employee health insurance costs consumed nearly a quarter of Illinois’ fiscal year 2018 budget.

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.

Even after a 32 percent income tax hike, the Illinois General Assembly passed a state budget in 2017 that will generate an estimated $1.5 billion deficit in fiscal year 2018. That deficit is projected to grow to $2.15 billion in fiscal year 2019, according to the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, or GOMB. The...

Spending has consistently outpaced state tax revenues in Illinois for more than a decade. To avoid future tax hikes, Illinois must impose real fiscal discipline on state lawmakers.

State spending grew 25 percent faster than Illinoisans' personal income from 2005-2015.

Spending has consistently outpaced state tax revenues in Illinois for more than a decade. To avoid future tax hikes, Illinois must impose real fiscal discipline on state lawmakers.