$6.6B gap in Illinois reserve funds is far from ‘fiscal responsibility’

By Justin Carlson

06/29/2023

Illinois’ rainy-day fund is at an all-time high, but remains $6.6 billion less than recommended by state budget experts. Illinois state government can operate for fewer than 13 days on what it’s saved.

Illinois’ revenue volatility among highest in U.S., threatens budget stability

By Justin Carlson

05/17/2023

Illinois just saw a $1.76 billion drop in state income tax collections, proving what a new study just showed: state tax policies give it the nation’s eighth-most volatile revenues. That also makes Illinois very vulnerable when a recession hits.

Illinois among worst-prepared in nation to weather next recession

By Justin Carlson

01/02/2023

Illinois lawmakers and Gov. J.B. Pritzker reached a deal to pay off $1.8 billion borrowed from the federal government for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a positive step, but the state remains ill-prepared for the next economic shock.

TAGS: Illinois, unemployment

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

By Aimee Morrissey, Perry Zhao, Joe Tabor

11/03/2022

On Nov. 8, Illinoisans will vote for important judge positions, including three Illinois Supreme Court justices and 16 appellate court judges. Their decisions impact daily life, yet about 25% of voters leave their ballots blank when they get to the judges.

TAGS: election, judges

Illinois Supreme Court rejects back pay for former state lawmakers

By Dylan Sharkey

09/23/2022

In a unanimous decision, the Illinois Supreme Court denied a lawsuit by two former state senators seeking back pay. The senators bragged about voting against the raises, then decided they deserved them after leaving office.

TAGS: Illinois Supreme Court

Illinois joins 8 states asking to escape interest on unemployment loan

By Dylan Sharkey

12/18/2021

Illinois borrowed $4.2 billion from the federal government to replenish its unemployment trust fund, missed the deadline to repay it and now wants to avoid the interest that is due.

TAGS: COVID-19, Susana Mendoza, unemployment

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

Exelon lobbyist pushes $14.4 million payday for Springfield lawmakers

By Patrick Andriesen

06/15/2021

The Illinois General Assembly voted for a decade to eliminate annual cost-of-living adjustments for lawmaker salaries after the Great Recession. Now, former state lawmakers are suing the state to put that money right back into politicians’ pockets.

TAGS: Exelon, lawmaker pay, lobbying

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

By Adam Schuster

05/27/2021

Pritzker borrowed during the pandemic rather than making responsible budget decisions. So Illinois’ federal relief must repay debt rather than helping businesses recover like other states.

TAGS: COVID-19, debt, JB Pritzker

Judge says taxpayers owe 2 Illinois senators who voted to reject raises

By Brad Weisenstein

04/12/2021

Judge rules in favor of two former state senators seeking the back pay they rejected and then crowed about rejecting. Ruling applies only to the pair.

TAGS: Illinois, Illinois Comptroller, lawmaker pay

Susana A. Mendoza

$6.6B gap in Illinois reserve funds is far from ‘fiscal responsibility’

Illinois’ revenue volatility among highest in U.S., threatens budget stability

Illinois among worst-prepared in nation to weather next recession

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

Illinois Supreme Court rejects back pay for former state lawmakers

Illinois joins 8 states asking to escape interest on unemployment loan

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

Exelon lobbyist pushes $14.4 million payday for Springfield lawmakers

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

Judge says taxpayers owe 2 Illinois senators who voted to reject raises

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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