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PI Original
by Adam Doster
2:29pm
Fri Dec 11, 2009
1 comment

New Outlet's Pension Article Misses The Mark (UPDATED)

Media

Given Illinois' widening deficit and the repeated calls from
editorial boards across the state to enact budgetary reforms, we were
astonished to notice in recent weeks that not one major publication
covered the final report issued last month by Gov. Pat Quinn's Pension ...

PI Original
by Angela Caputo
12:37pm
Fri Dec 11, 2009

The State Budget Deficit And The Absence Of "Political Will"

State budget

This week, the bad financial news continued to roll in for Illinois. First, Moody's downgraded
the state's general obligation bond rating on Tuesday, giving the
Prairie State the second lowest ranking nationwide (only California's
is worse). That same day, the bipartisan ...

PI Original
by Adam Doster
1:45pm
Thu Dec 10, 2009

With Campaign Finance Bill Signed, What's Next?

Pat Quinn

Yesterday morning, Gov. Pat Quinn celebrated the Blago anniversary by signing into law a comprehensive campaign finance reform bill, the first in state history to cap (in some form) campaign contributions. "When we enact a reform like today," the governor said at ...

PI Original
by Adam Doster
12:01pm
Wed Dec 9, 2009

Spilling Ink: The Blago Anniversary

State Legislature

It's hard to believe that one year ago today, federal FBI agents arrested
Rod Blagojevich at his Ravenswood home for engaging in what U.S.
Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald would call a "staggering" level of
corruption. To mark the occasion, the Capitol Fax's Rich Miller ...

PI Original
by Angela Caputo
5:15pm
Mon Dec 7, 2009

An "Affront" To Reality

State Legislature

After "balancing" the state's budget, in part, by pushing $3.2
billion worth of bills off until next year, Illinois lawmakers left
Springfield over the summer crossing their fingers that the economy
would rebound quickly and stave off the obvious need for an income tax
...

PI Original
by Adam Doster
6:32pm
Fri Dec 4, 2009
1 comment

Report: How The States Fight Climate Change

State Legislature

When President Obama takes part in the international climate
meetings in Copenhagen next week, he won't carry with him any domestic
legislation that mandates strict limits on carbon emissions. While this
may have initially seemed like a missed opportunity to increase
...

PI Original
by Angela Caputo
12:34pm
Thu Dec 3, 2009

More Revisionist History From Dillard

IL-Governor

As he makes his rounds on the gubernatorial campaign trail, State
Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) loves to tout his "executive experience"
as former Gov. Jim Edgar's chief of staff. And there's no
accomplishment he loves to brag about more than his experience helping
...

PI Original
by Angela Caputo
3:44pm
Wed Dec 2, 2009
3 comments

The Local Benefits Of A State Income Tax Hike

State budget

The state of Illinois isn't the only taxing body reeling from dwindling revenue these days. Declining sales, property, and gaming receipts are blowing holes in municipal budgets across Illinois.  As a result, local officials are struggling to maintain basic ...

PI Original
by Adam Doster
3:48pm
Tue Dec 1, 2009

State Lawmakers Ask Congress To Invest In High Speed Rail

Transportation

Buoyed by the Obama administration's initial and enthusiastic commitment this past fall, Congress is taking the first real steps in U.S. history to build a national high-speed rail system. To be sure, the U.S. has a long way to go -- both in terms of financing and planning...