Tag Archives: General Assembly

Frustrated? Call (217) 782-5350. Ask for Mike.

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Steve Reick

We have 19 days until the end of the legislative session, and how have we spent the month of May so far? We didn’t meet at all during the first week, and this past week was spent passing resolutions and … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois Budget | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The Governor’s SOTS Speech, What He Said and What He Didn’t Say

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Steve Reick

Every “State of” speech I’ve ever heard follows the same script: A recitation of accomplishments achieved since the previous speech; A shopping list of proposals to be addressed before the next one; and A reminder that those who stand in … Continue reading →

Posted in Cost of Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

(217) 782-5350 – Ask for Mike

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Steve Reick

We’re getting closer to the end of the fiscal year, and there’s a real chance of a government shutdown if there’s no budget. Governor Rauner appears by all accounts to be willing to stare down the Democrat leadership in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois Budget | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

There Are No Clean Hands in the Pension Debate

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Steve Reick

In its May 8th decision, the Supreme Court couldn’t have been plainer as to the priority of pension obligations in the state budget, and placed the greatest portion of the blame for the condition of the pension funds squarely where … Continue reading →

Posted in Public Pensions | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

What Happens If Our Pension Plans Go Broke?

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Steve Reick

We’re now seeing the real face of Illinois’ pension crisis by the cuts being proposed by Governor Rauner in his 2016 budget. In Fiscal 2016, Illinois will owe $6.8 billion to its 5 pension plans, which will account for roughly … Continue reading →

Posted in Public Pensions | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments