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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
