Budget

Illinois lawmakers returned to Springfield on Tuesday for the first time since May and following news earlier this month that they’re facing a projected $3.2 billion budget deficit for the fiscal year that begins on July 1.

Proposition B would have allowed aldermen to increase budget line items without the approval of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, a fiscal oversight board.

If the projections hold true, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker could face difficult financial decisions, from increasing taxes to cutting spending.

A new report from Pew Charitable Trusts shows revenue growth in most states is below inflation after two years of abundant tax receipts.

Even with a mostly volunteer workforce, the approximately $300,000 annually the program gets from the state isn’t enough, advocates said.

This year’s budget process was criticized by Parson and lawmakers over a lack of transparency.

Democrats needed three tries to pass $1.1 billion revenue plan just before 5 a.m.

The Senate begins work Tuesday on Missouri’s roughly $50 billion state budget, with questions still swirling around renewing a tax that funds Medicaid and a GOP infighting that could derail the process.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page says the budget cuts will result in a reduction or elimination of some county services.

The sheriff’s patrol budget is increasing 2% next year. Republican members of the St. Clair County Board say there's not enough deputies. The sheriff has also told the board staffing challenges.