Category Archives: Illinois Budget

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 Albatross Around Illinois’ Neck

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Steve Reick

When talking about the pension problem in Illinois, everyone focuses on the $100 or so billion underfunding. But the problem is not just the underfunding, it’s the amount the state needs to contribute to the plans each year to move … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois Budget, Public Pensions | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Goring The Ox That Buys Ink By the Barrel

Posted on July 5, 2015 by Steve Reick

Today, the Northwest Herald’s editorial page came out in opposition to a proposal in the Legislature to charge sales tax on advertising. The Herald at least makes the obvious point right up front: “Our position might appear entirely self-serving. After … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois Budget | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Pot, Meet Kettle

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Steve Reick

Speaker Mike Madigan held a press conference yesterday and addressed Governor Rauner’s latest ad blitz in support of his “Turnaround Agenda”, the point of which was to label the ads as “extreme”. Illinois Review has a good summary of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois Budget | 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