The Civic Federation is unable to support Governor Rauner’s recommended budget for FY2017 because it has an operating deficit of at least $3.5 billion and presents an insufficiently detailed plan for closing the gap. According to the report, the $3.5 billion deficit appears to be significantly understated, because it does not fully account for the actual cost of essential State services.…
This article discusses a recent state budget forum featuring a panel of eight Illinois lawmakers providing their respective insights on Illinois’ current financial crisis. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall co-moderated the event. He called on lawmakers to provide specific solutions to end the budget impasse and reinforced the reality that in the absence of an FY2016 budget, …
On March 24, 2016 the Illinois Supreme Court filed its opinion affirming the Cook County Circuit Court’s ruling that the reforms made to the City of Chicago’s Municipal and Laborers’ Pension Funds in Public Act 98-0641 were unconstitutional because they reduced pension benefits in violation of the pension protection clause of the Illinois Constitution. Background …
This article discusses the recent Illinois Supreme Court decision to uphold a Circuit Court ruling that reforms for two of Chicago’s pension funds are unconstitutional. The Civic Federation says the ruling limits financial options for strained local governments in Illinois and notes the need for clarity in the State’s pension protection clause.
This article reports on the Illinois Supreme Court ruling overturning reforms for two of the City’s pension funds and the potential consequences for Chicago taxpayers. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, notes that the short-term savings from overturning the reforms would be outweighed by the eventual insolvency of the funds.
This segment examines the City of Chicago’s short-term borrowing to fund police and fire pensions. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall indicates that borrowing for pension payments is not an ideal situation.
This article discusses the Chicago City Council authorizing up to $200 million of bonds to help pay termination fees to exit swaps linked to its water debt. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall noted that, while this helps the city refinance its variable-rate debt, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the full cost and how it will impact taxpayers.
This article reports on payments made to Chicago's police and fire pension funds using $220 million in short-term borrowing. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, called the borrowing an unfortunate, expensive, yet forseeable development, due to the lack of contingency planning in the City’s FY2016 budget.
This article examines the costs of high pensions paid to former school district administrators in Illinois. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, notes that these are a prime example of why the State continues to need pension reform.
With the budget for the current fiscal year still incomplete, Governor Bruce Rauner proposed a financial plan for the next budget year with an operating deficit of $3.5 billion. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2017, which begins on July 1, 2016 and ends on June 30, 2017, was issued on February 17, 2016. The recommended FY2017 budget includes general operating revenues of $32.8 billion and…
