The changes would bring the targets in line with recent changes in Illinois’ Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities Act. The new guidelines increased goals for businesses owned by minorities and women from 10 percent to 20 percent of total spending for construction projects, matching the 20 percent goal for non-construction contracts.

Comment: This is looking more like a wish list for public unions and Democrats. The state would pick up the obligation for Chicago teachers’ pension? And this is another sloppy article from the Associated Press. The pension debt number they cite is outdated, and they are using the phony budget deficit we described in our article linked here.

Comment: But a successful appeal is likely. If our 7th Circuit appeals court agrees with this trial judge, it would be in conflict with a recent ruling from the 6th Circuit. That means the case is likely to go to the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve the difference. With a new Trump appointee in place by then, tipping the balance of the Court conservatively, this trial court ruling probably won’t survive.