In 2014, nearly 20 percent of the 200,000 active retirees who received retirement benefits from one of the state’s five pension systems no longer live in Illinois. Collectively, about $1.5 billion was distributed to pensioners residing in other states, U.S. territories and countries.

“What if the Supreme Court orders the State Treasurer to turn over tax revenue to fund pensions and he refuses?” Comment: They won’t, even this court.  

Illinois fell to the bottom of Conning’s ratings system when it published its biannual report six months ago. According to Conning, “It is getting to the late innings to find a sustainable solution, as years of short-term fixes have reduced remaining options.”

Comment: Just another Cullerton gimmick. Anything based on a voluntary trade with pensioners would have to give them equivalent value or they won’t take it, and if they do the state would be left in no better position.

The contract for state government’s largest labor union expires next month. And what have been contentious labor negotiations are going to turn brutal.

Department of Central Management Services on May 8 quietly floated a request for appraisal services to help develop a potential sale price on the huge but dilapidated structure at Clark and LaSalle.

Dogged by environmental concerns, regulatory delay and a downturn in fracking production, the promise of hydraulic fracturing so far has come up short in many small towns across Illinois.