August 04, 2009
The Civic Federation is frequently cited in news articles and reports for its nonpartisan, evidence-based take on fiscal issues throughout Illinois. The month of July was a busy one, with 15 citations of Federation research or quotes of Federation staff in newspapers, nearly twice that in the blogosphere, and several television appearances.
Many of these media hits dealt with the Civic Federation’s partnership with British-based L.E.K. Consulting to develop a report on the finances and transparency of the 2016 Olympic bid. News articles about the State of Illinois and City of Chicago budgets also cited Federation research and staff.
The following is a selection of news stories that mention the Federation’s work during the month of July:
- July 31, 2009: Chicago Tribune, "City's 2010 budget forecast: Bring umbrella"
"You have to look at personnel and personnel reductions because they represent 80 to 85 percent of the operating costs," said Laurence Msall, executive director of the Civic Federation.
Significant new taxes are unlikely, Msall added. "There is little that comes to mind that the city isn't already taxing or would be a new revenue source," he said.
- July 31, 2009: Chicago Public Radio, "City Faces 'Enormous Challenge' in Balancing 2010 Budget"
In the segment ,Civic Federation President Laurence Msall said Chicago is “...going to have to make decisions not based on - what are ... its priorities, but what are its most critical services.”
Listen to the news story here.
- July 28, 2009: The Bond Buyer, "Report: City Colleges of Chicago has the Right Idea on Taxes"
“Chicago-area governments should follow the City Colleges of Chicago's lead by holding their property tax levies steady and offering backup plans for possible state aid cuts, according to a report from [the Civic Federation] on the colleges' $492 million fiscal 2010 budget.”
- July 17, 2009: Fox News Chicago, "Fox Chicago Sunday: Laurence Msall"
Civic Federation president Laurence Msall discusses the Illinois FY2010 budget approved by the General Assembly with reporters Jack Conaty and Dane Placko.
Watch the news segment here.
- July 16, 2009: Chicago Tribune, "Quinn’s dangerous gamble"
“But if video poker is likely to create more problems than it solves, then fold this hand. A lot of people -- the BGA, the Civic Federation, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, the women's caucus of the Cook County Board and a number of legislators and civic, business and political leaders -- think that's the case.”
- July 15, 2009: WTTW's "Chicago Tonight," "The state’s financial problems"
Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation, is interviewed by Carol Marin for this news analysis segment on Chicago Public Television's "Chicago Tonight" program.
Watch the video here.
- July 14, 2009: Crain’s Chicago Business, "British firm will do independent review of Chicago Olympics costs"
“ L.E.K. Consulting, whose media and entertainment practice includes sports projects, was hired by the Civic Federation, a local tax policy watchdog group in Chicago. The firm "will help us conduct an independent review of expenditures and revenues" for the proposed Chicago games, according to federation President Laurence Msall.”
- July 1, 2009: Chicago Sun-Times, "More Olympic scrutiny sought"