The Civic Federation commends the Cook County Board for voting 12-5 to roll back half of last year’s one percentage point sales tax hike and for overriding President Todd Stroger’s veto. The Federation considers this a victory for…
For anyone who missed a last ride on the tilt-a-whirl when Kiddieland closed last month, a quick review of our state’s fiscal situation can provide a…
This news segment discusses the effect that Illinois’ troubled economy may have on the gubernatorial election in 2010. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall points out that Illinois’ lack of a budget tied to available revenue will make…
This news segment is about the Chicago Transit Authority’s substation in the Chicago Block 37 transit and retail project. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall is interviewed saying that the project, while a reasonable one at the time…
The Civic Federation supports the FY2010 Forest Preserve District of Cook County budget of $198.2 million because the District will reduce its property tax levy by $1.1 million and use a portion of its budget reserve funds, rather than…
(CHICAGO) The Federation supports the Forest Preserve District of Cook County proposed FY2010 budget of $198.2 million. The District plans to reduce its property tax levy and the burden it imposes on property taxpayers by $1.1 million. The…
Tax revenues that states depend on to fund operations continue to decrease, dropping at least $119.7 billion nationwide in the most recent fiscal quarter. A study released by the…
Taxpayers should get what they pay for, and pay for what they get—that is the core notion behind intergenerational equity in government. When governments live within their means, balancing revenues and expenditures without hoarding excess…
This article about a report on the States in the worst fiscal condition by the Pew Center on the States quotes the Civic Federation in its profile of Illinois’…
This news segment examines Governor Quinn’s deal with the Chicago Transit Authority that will avert a fare increase through increased borrowing. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall says the deal may be a bad one in the long run,…
