12.04.09
In September Fitch Ratings announced an upgrade of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s outstanding unlimited tax general obligation bonds totaling $115 million to ‘AA-’ from ‘A+.’...
Library
12.03.09
The Chicago Park District recently proposed its FY2010 operating budget, totaling $391.9 million. The District is decreasing its operating expenditures by 0.3% from the FY2009 budget, which is one of the reasons the Federation offered its...
12.02.09
The Civic Federation commends the Cook County Board for voting 12-5 to roll back half of last year’s one percentage point sales tax hike and for overriding President Todd Stroger’s veto. The Federation considers this a victory for overburdened County taxpayers and for the County...
12.02.09
For anyone who missed a last ride on the tilt-a-whirl when Kiddieland closed last month, a quick review of our state’s fiscal situation can provide a similar type of stomach-churning, gravity-defying...
12.02.09
The Civic Federation offers qualified support for the FY2010 Chicago Park District’s proposed operating budget of $391.9 million. The District is proposing a responsible budget that reduces...
11.30.09
The Civic Federation supports the FY2010 Forest Preserve District of Cook County budget of $198.2 million because the District will reduce its property tax levy by $1.1 million and use a portion...
11.24.09
The Civic Federation is teaming up with the Motorola Foundation to present the 18th Annual Excellence in Public Service Award next month. After reviewing nominations for some of the best and brightest public servants throughout Illinois, the award advisory committee selected Judy Erwin,...
11.23.09
Taxpayers should get what they pay for, and pay for what they get—that is the core notion behind intergenerational equity in government. When governments live within their means, balancing revenues and expenditures without hoarding excess cash or borrowing from the future, they achieve...
11.19.09
11.18.09
The Civic Federation opposes the FY2010 City of Chicago budget of $6.14 billion because it is unsustainable and relies too heavily on one-time reserve funds to close a $520.0 million budget...