Government Budgets

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State Finds New Source to Fund Regional School Superintendents

The State of Illinois’ 44 regional school superintendents’ offices, which were slated for elimination in Governor Pat Quinn’s FY2012 budget recommendation, have been granted a reprieve—at least for one year. In presenting his proposed…

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And on the 7th day, they rested.

This editorial discusses the lack of action so far on the part of State of Illinois legislators during the veto session to address issues in the State’s pension system and its backlog of overdue bills. It cites the Civic Federation’s…

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Bonds This Week, Budget Next Week

This article examines the City of Chicago’s issuance of bonds ahead of a vote on the City’s FY2012 budget proposal. The article also cites the Federation’s analysis of the proposal.

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Practical Cuts Must Be Made to Chicago Services, Including Library Funding: Renda

This editorial segment discusses cuts that could be made to the City of Chicago budget to fill a $635 million deficit. It mentions the Civic Federation’s support of the City’s FY2012 budget proposal because the proposal made significant…

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Civic Federation 2012 Legislative Priorities

The Civic Federation's legislative priorities for 2012 include public pension reform, requiring the State of Illinois to develop and implement a capital improvement plan, dissolving the Illinois International Port District, creating a new…

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State Considers Eliminating Bonus Depreciation

A proposed package of tax incentives currently being considered by the Illinois General Assembly includes eliminating tax relief known as “bonus depreciation” already provided to businesses for 2011 through a federal tax change that the…

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CTA Balanced Budget Contingent on Labor Negotiations

The Chicago Transit Authority Board will vote on CTA President Forrest Claypool’s FY2012 Budget Recommendations on November 15, 2011. The proposed $1.2 billion operating budget closes a preliminary budget shortfall of approximately $277…

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Civic Federation: CTA Budget Continues Difficult Process of Improving Financial Condition; No Fare Hikes, Service Cuts Contingent on Labor Changes

The Civic Federation supports the proposed FY2012 Chicago Transit Authority budget of $1.2 billion because it will set the agency on a more sustainable path. The spending plan will also avoid fare hikes or service cuts if labor unions and…

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Budget Reform Panel Issues Report and Recommendations

The State of Illinois’ new commission tasked with improving the State’s budget process recently…

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Chicago Transit Authority President’s Proposed FY2012 Operating Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation supports the FY2012 proposed Chicago Transit Authority budget of approximately $1.2 billion because it ends the past practice of using capital funds to close operating gaps and maintains current fare and service levels…