CTBA Was Here for You in Crazy 2016, We'll be Here for You in 2017!

In 2016, Illinois closed its first fiscal year ever without a full General Fund budget passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor. Halfway through FY2017, decision makers have again failed to enact a budget-with no clear resolution in sight. This has had consequences-which include devastating spending cuts to crucial social services and public universities, even as the phase-down of the state's temporary income tax increases has pushed Illinois billions deeper into deficit spending. Meanwhile, Chicago still needs a long-term strategy to repay its pension debt; Chicago Public Schools lost $215 million it was counting on to a gubernatorial veto for its FY2017 budget; and change in the White House has created significant policy uncertainty-including whether the federal government might try to cut off all aid to "sanctuary cities" like Chicago.

All of this makes CTBA's focus of providing policymakers, advocates, the media and voters with fact-based analysis and best practice solutions that much more crucial. In the fight to ensure investments made through our public budgeting process actually generate the desired outcome of creating access to social and economic justice for everyone, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or social class-you can e sure CTBA will be at the forefront.

In 2016, CTBA helped illuminate the pension issue; used empirical research to demonstrate that investing in K-12 education is an economic development strategy; and exposed how Illinois elected officials were able to cut billions of dollars from public services without even casting a vote. CTBA staff appeared frequently on TV, radio, and in print media, and spoke to community organizations, professional groups, and policymakers across the state. We even launched a blog and Twitter feed, another way to spread our message in a more newsy, accessible way.

We are charging hard into 2017. But we can't do it alone. Your support makes CTBA's work possible-so please help us by making a tax-deductible donation as part of your holiday giving. It will be a critical piece of our continuing mission to provide independent, bipartisan, data-driven decisions.

Remember to make your tax deductible contribution by December 31, 2016. 

Thanks for your support!