The announcements from Gov. Pat Quinn’s office arrived via email bearing the official state of Illinois seal, signaling Real Government Business. But we all knew what they really were: campaign-ish announcements disguised as Real Government Business.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-illinois-legislature-election-met-20141031-story.html#page=1

Bankruptcy judge explains pension cut hurdles

The state’s budgeting process and debt management fall to the governor’s administration — with a majority vote of the General Assembly needed to approve a budget and a three-fifths supermajority to approve new borrowing — but both officers offer a voice that carries weight on state finances, ratings, and policies. http://www.bondbuyer.com/news/regionalnews/finances-at-issue-as-illinois-voters-pick-comptroller-and-treasurer-1067437-1.html

The Illinois State Board of Education will release online the latest data on school achievement this week. http://wuis.org/post/illinois-provides-data-schools-award-winning-report-card