97th General Assembly

Released October 1, 2013

The fiscal problems that have historically plagued Illinois are on full display in the FY2014 General Fund budget passedby the Illinois General Assembly. The state’s accumulated deficit remains significant, and in all likelihood will be at least $8 billion by the end of FY2014. Despite increases for some aspects of the General Fund budget, net spending on services will be $173 million less in FY2014 than in FY2013. Meanwhile, as spending on service delivery continues to decline, the annual cost of debt service continues to grow—specifically the debt owed to the state’s five public pension systems.

Released August 27, 2012

This Issue Brief provides an overview of the state pension systems' underfunding and an analysis of House-Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment (HJRCA) 49. HJRCA 49 would create a new section to the Illinois Constitution. 

Released May 22, 2012

This Fact Sheet highlights the reasons why raising the minimum wage is needed in Illinois.

Released November 30, 2011

An analysis of Senate Bill 397 of the 97th General Assembly, which would have provided $250 million tax expenditures to various businesses at a time when Illinois was facing budget deficit and cuts to spending on core services.

Released April 8, 2012

This Report provides an analysis of the FY2013 General Fund budget proposed by Governor Pat Quinn on February 22, 2012.

Released August 2, 2012

This Report provides an analysis of the enacted FY2013 General Fund budget.

Released March 1, 2013

With over 70 tables and charts, the Illinois State Budget and Tax Primer details the technical elements of the budget process, revenue system and challenges the state faces in clear terms.