Government Budgets

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More Transparent DuPage Budget Reduces Property Taxes, Earns Civic Federation Support

(CHICAGO) The Civic Federation will announce its support for DuPage County’s $521.2 million proposed FY2010 budget at a public hearing on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 8:00 am. In contrast to many other local governments in northeastern…

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DuPage County FY2010 Proposed Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation supports the $521.2 million FY2010 DuPage County budget proposal because it maintains funding for core programs while providing property tax relief. The County has additionally improved its budget planning process and…

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Mayor Daley reveals more of budget plan

This news segment about Mayor Daley’s plans to close a $500 million City of Chicago budget gap with funds from the City’s privatization deals quotes the Civic Federation, which cautions that forecasted revenues for next year may not be…

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No fee or tax increases in new forest preserves budget, but iPhone app may be on way

This Clout Street blog post discusses the Cook County Forest Preserve District’s decision to pass its operating budget without increasing fees or property taxes. The post mentions the Civic Federation’s initial support of the budget plan.

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Watchdog group: don't balance city budget with reserve funds

In this news story, the Civic Federation cautions the City of Chicago against using its cash reserves, funded from the City’s recent asset privatization deals, to fill a budget deficit. The Federation notes that such a move will compromise…

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Increased Unemployment Corrodes State Revenues

The State of Illinois’ personal income tax revenue for FY2010 is now expected to be $850 million lower than projected when the budget was approved in July 2009, according to David…

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Fare Hike Plan Not Affecting Freebies For Seniors

This news story is about the CTA’s proposed fare increase to bridge a $180 million budget gap and its possible effect on the program that allows senior citizens to ride the CTA, Metra, and Pace for free. The Civic Federation points out…

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Video Poker a Gamble for Capital Funding

The surprise expansion of gambling to all corners of Illinois in the form of legalized video poker that was enacted by the General Assembly has not been well received by many residents or local governments. A recent poll conducted by the…

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Use of Education Stimulus Money in Illinois Raises Concerns

A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) says that more information is needed to determine whether local school districts that receive federal stimulus money…

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The Check is (Not) in the Mail

The Governor’s office recently published its first official document that included details of the revenues and expenditures approved by the General Assembly for FY2010 fiscal year. The Official Statement accompanying the sale of $1.25…