The city releases its 2015 budget forecast with a relatively manageable deficit, assuming the city gets pension reform. But what happens if it doesn't? Paris Schutz has the details.  

The Chicago Public School board votes today on the controversial 2015 budget that has been slammed by observers for using a "gimmick" to help close nearly a $1 billion hole.

Earlier this month Chicago Public Schools unveiled its budget for 2015. We analyze the district’s $5.7 billion budget.

CPS officials say they will close a massive budget gap this year with an accounting change that will result in a $650 million windfall. Paris Schutz has more on how that works and reaction from the teacher’s union.

A new state budget that both Republicans and Democrats say is out of whack goes into effect tomorrow, with a few new wrinkles. Paris Schutz has latest. 

Bruce Rauner says he has ideas to cut $1 billion from state government, and one of them involves chickens. But the governor calls it a budget "prank."

We share what you had to say about the NLRB ruling on unionized football at Northwestern University and our conversation with Gov. Pat Quinn about his 2015 budget when we read some of our viewer feedback. 

One day after telling Springfield legislators they face a stark choice between making the “temporary” income tax hikes permanent or slashing spending on education and social services, Gov. Pat Quinn joins us to discuss the tough choices facing the state, and how he plans to defeat Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner in the November election. Watch Quinn's budget address, view graphics of his budget breakdown, and read an article about how the state budget would be impacted if the income tax increase were allowed to expire as scheduled in 2015.

Gov. Pat Quinn delivers his annual state budget address. Paris Schutz has the details from Springfield. Read an article and watch Quinn's full address.

Making the income tax increase permanent, a property tax relief, and adding $50 million to a monetary assistance program for college students in Illinois will all be addressed during Gov. Pat Quinn budget speech. Carol Marin talks with Sen. Kirk Dillard from Springfield, and then analyzes the budget address with her panel of guests. View graphics of Quinn's 2015 budget.

Legislators gather in Springfield today to hash out plans for moving the state forward. Budget proposals, tax hike remedies and the ever-present pension reform issue hang in the balance as the Republican primary draws near. Is progress being made on these issues in the state capital? Do Illinois governor hopefuls have new ideas for state reform, and will we hear about them before the March 18 primary? We have analysis.

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton is projecting a $3 billion shortfall in the next state budget, and he's asking the Republican gubernatorial candidates to step up with ideas to close it. We break down some of the challenges faced by lawmakers.

After state lawmakers finally passed pension reform in December, Illinoisans could be forgiven for assuming the state is now on track to balance its budget. But a report out this week says the reforms don't do nearly enough to fix the state's budget gap. Two of the authors of the report join us to discuss their findings and the implications for the state.

This week’s visit from the Polar Vortex was more than snowy and bone-chillingly cold; it was expensive as well. Read an article.

We chat with Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Rep. Mike Quigley about the bipartisan budget deal and what major issues are still on the table in 2014.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel formally introduces the city's 2014 budget to City Council, which includes new parking fees, cable taxes and speed camera revenue. How did they take it? Paris Schutz has the details. Read Emanuel's 2014 Budget Recommendation briefing and full budget address.