2026 Fiscal Symposium—Register Now!
Register for 2026 CTBA’S FISCAL SYMPOSIUM TODAY! Will you be attending this year?
Response to Illinois FY 2026 Enacted General Fund Budget
On May 31, 2025, the Illinois General Assembly passed a $55.1 billion General Fund budget for FY2026 (the “FY 2026 GF Budget”). Of that $55.1 billion in total appropriations, roughly $15.9 billion, or 29 percent, cover “hard costs” the state must pay, because they’re required by law. The remaining $39.1 billion in appropriations went to fund current services for the year.
Predatory Loan Prevention Act Passes House
In Illinois, the average annual percentage rate (APR) on a payday loan is 297 percent, and the average APR on an auto title loan is 179 percent. Federal law already protects active-duty military with a 36 percent APR cap. The Predatory Loan Prevention Act bill would extend the same protection to Illinois veterans and all other consumers. Seventeen states plus the District of Columbia have 36 percent caps or lower.
Watch the Video Recording of CTBA's Fiscal Symposium
If you weren't able to attend, you can watch it at the following link: http://cantv.org/watch-now/the-politics-of-revenue-the-future-of-education-in-illinois/
Special thanks to CAN-TV for covering the event!
Evidence-Based Education Funding Passes General Assembly
Although the General Assembly sputtered to an unsatisfying adjournment yesterday without passing a FY2018 budget resulting in a bond rating downgrade, there was some significant good news.
Watch CTBA's Higher Education Event from Loyola University
The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, the Office of the Provost and the Center for Urban Research and Learning at Loyola University host a discussion on the impact of Illinois’ budget cuts on higher education. This program was recorded by Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV). Watch it Now!
The program also ran on Cable Access Network Television on:
Are there any answers to CPS funding crisis?
Ralph Martire was among the speakers at a budget forum hosted Monday night by the education advocacy group Raise Your Hand. Listen to what Ralph has to say: here
CTBA Budget Director Bobby Otter Talks with WYCC's
CTBA Budget Director Bobby Otter talked with WYCC Field Producer Gladys Roman about Chicago Public School. If you missed the program, WATCH NOW
CTBA Supports Equity and Excellence in American Education Act
Washington, DC—Congressman Mike Honda (D-Silicon Valley) introduced the Equity and Excellence in American Education Act to provide schools with the resources needed to provide each and every child with a high-quality education, and to encourage state governments and local school districts to partner with the federal government to adequately fund America’s public schools.
CTBA Budget Director Interviewed by WGN-Channel 9
CTBA Budget Director Bobby Otter was interviewed this afternoon by WGN-Channel 9 news regarding the Chicago Public School's FY 2016 budget and structural deficit.