Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020 about the impact of the coronavirus on the state and its finances.

“State and municipal budgets across the nation and here in Illinois are being decimated,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday. “It’s not a blue state problem or a red state problem.”

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

Outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel is the latest supporter of a retirement income tax. A look at the potential impact on Illinois, Chicago – and seniors.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has floated the idea of selling more than $10 billion in pension obligation bonds. We dig into the idea.

(Éovart Caçeir at English Wikipedia)

For the first time since 2015 Illinois may actually have a budget in place before the start of the new fiscal year. And the governor says he will sign it.

Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability

A prominent local tax watchdog group says Illinois government would gain $2 billion with a graduated income tax.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability explains this week’s ruling and what city leaders might do next to address the Chicago Park District’s financial woes.

The Democrat-backed bill would increase state funding to every public school district in the state. But it still faces an uncertain future as critics chide what they see as preferential treatment for Chicago Public Schools.

Is Gov. Bruce Rauner's newest pension proposal constitutional? How will it impact city and state employees? John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute, and Ralph Martire, executive director for the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, analyze the plan.

Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield this week to vote on pension reform. Carol Marin and her guests discuss the deal, and what it would mean for employees. Read the full Conference Committee Report on Senate Bill 1 and details of the proposal.

Chicago civic groups back bipartisan pension reform, but will it prompt any action in Springfield? Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss the latest developments.

Gov. Pat Quinn

It's a subdued climate in Springfield, as Gov. Pat Quinn proposes what he calls "his most difficult" budget yet. Can the state pass the major cuts he wants even though legislators face reelection? We have a recap from Springfield, and then Carol Marin and her panel have analysis.