For over two years, Illinois was without a budget, and millions of residents of all ages suffered through the lack of depleted programs and services. We now have a budget.
Despite the budget, we are nowhere near out of the woods! Illinois still has a long way to go until our state finances are restored, service providers are paid, vulnerable citizens receive needed services, municipalities are supported, higher education funding is not threatened and the state’s debt burden is not hanging over everyone’s head.
We must continue urging our elected officials to fix these issues and not let the state remain in disarray.
Enough is Enough! AARP Illinois demands action from Illinois politicians and commitment from gubernatorial and all other candidates for state office to make fixing Illinois’ finances their number one priority. Permanent solutions must be implemented that restore Illinois’ fiscal health, provide the services our population – especially vulnerable Illinoisans – need, and ensure a bright future for our children and grandchildren.
Illinois' budget deficit
Backlog of unpaid bills exceeds $8.0 billion
Illinois' long-term debt; Worst in nation by $80B
Unfunded public pension obligations exceed $130 billion
The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and the office of Illinois Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) hosted a town hall Tuesday night to give residents an overview of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed Fair Income Tax, discuss pensions and to address ...
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Anyone who pays attention to state government knows Illinois’ fiscal system is a hot mess. Illinois has a huge — as in $8 billion plus — accumulated deficit in its General Fund. Not good, considering over $9 out of every $10 of spending on service...
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It is unfortunate that the debate on the graduated income tax has to start with casting aspersions at the governor’s financial team in connection with their revenue estimates. There is a reasonable debate to be had as to what the right tax bracket...
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Many seniors in Chicago worry about being able to stay in the city, according to a recent survey of registered voters ages 50 and up. The survey was commissioned by the Illinois branch of the American Association of Retired Persons. Forty-four ...
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There’s no doubt Illinois is in a financial mess. But the proposal to fix it offered up this week by the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago—senior executives from the Chicago area’s leading employers—shows little regard for Illinois...
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The Illinois Capitol breathed a sigh of relief this summer when Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled legislature agreed on a state budget. But most Illinois voters say they’re not sure the deal will solve the state’s $1.2 bil...
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