Stories | Rockford Sun

Suburban property taxpayers would be on hook for CPS’ $17B in debt if schools bill becomes state law

By Chicago City Wire reports | Jul 28, 2017

A measure that would require homeowners in Chicago’s suburbs to pay off Chicago Public Schools’ $17 billion in debt is expected to go to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk for his signature later this month.

State school funding bill would micromanage public school spending — down to the cent

By LGIS News Service | Jul 27, 2017

State bureaucrats will dictate how many teachers Illinois school districts must hire and how much to pay them if a school funding bill is signed into law this month.

Mounting tax burden called no match for soaring pension debt in Illinois

By Glenn Minnis | Jul 27, 2017

Illinois ranks third in the nation in unfunded pension liability despite being saddled with some of the most stifling tax burdens in the country.

Sosnowski has the scoop: Ice cream social for book-loving kids

By Kacie Whaley | Jul 23, 2017

Reading does have its rewards.

Letting pension system fail described as tough love for Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Jul 21, 2017

Mike “Mish” Shedlock, who runs the blog “MishTalk.com,” believes imposing more taxes on Illinoisans with the biggest pensions can solve the pension crisis.

Analysis: Income tax hike will cost Winnebago County residents $68.9M more this year.

By Kyle Wahe | Jul 21, 2017

Winnebago County residents will pay an additional $68.98 million in state income taxes this year, according to an analysis by Local Government Information Services (LGIS).

Journalists say cuts keep Capitol coverage thin, brainstorming necessary

By John Revak | Jul 21, 2017

A group of journalists got together at a Springfield forum recently to discuss the future of ... a group of journalists.

Budget described as no solution to Illinois insolvency

By Karen Kidd | Jul 21, 2017

While state lawmakers ended a two-year budget impasse, the measures adopted by the Illinois Legislature will not fix the state's fiscal mess, an analyst who co-wrote a paper that places the state 49th in long-run solvency told the Sangamon Sun.

Rauner shake-up follows in wake of perceived political defeat

By Hoang Tran | Jul 21, 2017

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Analysis: Income tax hike will cost Boone County residents $14M more this year

By Kyle Wahe | Jul 19, 2017

Boone County residents will pay an additional $13.99 million in state income taxes this year, according to an analysis by Local Government Information Services (LGIS).

Rauner changes communication staff as part of rebranding

By Hoang Tran | Jul 17, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently added several key communication personnel to his team, further shaking up his staff following a major political defeat when the Illinois General Assembly overrode his vetoes on a budget and spending plan.

Illinois Opportunity Project leader joins Rauner campaign push

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jul 17, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner's campaign committee has hired Matt Besler, president of the Illinois Opportunity Project, as its chief adviser, the non-profit advocacy announced on Monday.

Being 'mad at the math' won't end Illinois' ongoing financial woes, attorney says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 14, 2017

Illinois’ economy will take decades to recover from the state’s current pension and workers’ compensation obligations, to say nothing of the debts continually being added because of a significant lack of reform, according to a blistering analysis from Chicago attorney Eugene Keefe.