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Voices for Illinois Children
Quick Hit
by Aricka Flowers
4:24pm
Fri Feb 3
2 comments

New Fiscal Policy Center Launched To Promote Children's Interests

While the interests of big business seem to be very much so on the radar of Springfield politicians, as evidenced by the passage of recent corporate tax break packages, the needs of children — and the impact of passed legislation and cuts on Illinois' youngest residents — may not always be as prevalent in political discussions as it should be. 

One state organization is hoping to change that with the unveiling of a new fiscal policy center aimed at promoting the interests of Illinois children while also detailing the impact of budget and tax policies on one of the Prarie State's most vulnerable populations.

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PI Original
by Angela Caputo
2:25pm
Fri Feb 12, 2010

"If We Choose To Do Nothing, Children Will Suffer" (VIDEO)

State Budget

This week, Voices for Illinois Children (VFIC) delivered its annual wake-up call to Illinois policymakers by unveiling their latest "Kids Count" report. Not surprisingly, Illinois' youngest are also bearing the burden of historic unemployment rates, the foreclosure crisis, and the state budget catastrophe.

PI Original
by Adam Doster
3:05pm
Wed Jan 13, 2010
1 comment

Quinn Renews Tax Reform Pledge During State Of The State

State budget

Early reports predicted Gov. Pat Quinn wouldn't broach the topic of an income tax hike during his second State of the State address this afternoon. Although it took him 45 minutes to do so, the Democrat renewed his push for tax reform, both as a way to fund critical ...

PI Original
by Angela Caputo
1:39pm
Fri Dec 18, 2009

Number Of The Day: 1.5 Million

State Legislature

Illinois officials have put low-income families and seniors on dangerous ground this year by failing to fund basic human services, from senior centers and child welfare programs to care for the disabled. But there has been one saving grace for the state's neediest: federal ...

PI Original
by Angela Caputo
10:11am
Thu Nov 5, 2009

Number Of The Day: $12.8 Billion

State budget

If there's one thing observers of Illinois politics can agree on, it's that next year's state budget deficit is going to be extraordinary. Not only are billions in federal stimulus money scheduled to dry up, but state officials will soon have to pay out $3.5 billion in ...

PI Original
by Adam Doster
9:14am
Wed Sep 30, 2009
1 comment

New Coalition Calls For Moral, Ethical Budget

State budget

A newly-formed coalition of community groups, social service providers, unions, and faith-based organizations -- representing millions of Illinois residents -- is urging legislative leaders to support new state revenue.

PI Original
by Angela Caputo
4:03pm
Fri Jul 24, 2009
1 comment

Number Of The Day: $10.4 Billion

State Legislature

When the General Assembly agreed to balance this year's budget by racking up billions in new debt and pushing off billions more in overdue bills, there was no denying that the budget next year would include a massive hole. But how big would it be? Voices For ...

PI Original
by Angela Caputo
11:10am
Fri Jun 26, 2009
71 comments

A Closer Look At The Effect Of A "50 Percent" Budget

State Legislature

Gov. Pat Quinn tried to reassure nervous human service providers and beneficiaries this week, telling reporters that he doesn’t support “and never will” a 50 percent budget passed last month that would slash roughly $4.5 billion in spending. Quinn is now clinging to hope that ...

PI Original
by Adam Doster
1:43pm
Mon Jun 15, 2009
1 comment

Radogno's "Cynical" Budget Attack

Taxes

Over the weekend, Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lamont) blasted Gov. Pat Quinn's ongoing campaign to raise awareness about the devastating effects the state's 50-percent "bare-bones" budget would have on people who use state services. As the Daily ...