Illinois On The Fiscal Brink

Defining Ideas (Hoover Institution) ^ | June 13, 2016 | Richard A. Epstein

[stars & stripes forever]

What do you expect from a state that has embraced every anti-family, anti-life legislation imaginable?

[Gaffer]

Any state that elected Obama as a Senator doesn’t deserve respect or consideration. ESD.

[Enchante]

The MADNESS of liberalism!!! [and Barack Obozo was an IL state senator when this streak started, yet somehow he was elevated to the US Presidency]

Even with its tax increases, Illinois has not had a balanced budget since 2001, though one is required under its Constitution.

Even with its tax increases, Illinois has not had a balanced budget since 2001, though one is required under its Constitution.

Even with its tax increases, Illinois has not had a balanced budget since 2001, though one is required under its Constitution.

Even with its tax increases, Illinois has not had a balanced budget since 2001, though one is required under its Constitution.

Even with its tax increases, Illinois has not had a balanced budget since 2001, though one is required under its Constitution.

[VTenigma]

Don’t let it bother you. The congress will bail the out and any other progressive hell hole, Puerto Rico was the prototype.

[ObozoMustGo2012]

Mark Kirk is too busy criticizing and un-endorsing Trump to pay attention to what has been going on in his own state...

[RayChuang88]

Illinois should have been one of the more prosperous states given the Chicago area is easily the largest transit point for transcontinental goods trade (both railroad and highways). But financial mismanagement will end up forcing a bankruptcy that could wipe out much of the pension funds for that state’s employees.

[OriginalChristian]

As far as electing Central Govt ‘representatives’, as Chicago goes, so goes Illinois. The good folks downstate are simply along for that terrifying ride. Where the state’s finances are concerned, Springfield, and specifically the DemonRats are solely to blame. Is it any mystery that 3 of of the last 4 governors are in prison. President Lincoln is spinning so fast in his grave that he’s generating enough power for his own library.

[JohnBovenmyer]

Its constitution also requires no pension cuts, a clause that deserves the same respect.

[Enchante]

so something has to give.... they can’t afford the current path, period

[drypowder]

bankruptcy left as the only choice for the masses when the political criminals finish scamming the public troughs. It's the sign of the times across this country and the lack of vigilance by the people over the elected class share in the responsibility of the coming social collapse.

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

#winning!

[DPMD]

Pull the switch. Punch the red button.

[Impy]

Illinois has not had a balanced budget since 2001, though one is required under its Constitution.

Funny how that doesn't matter, but the provision saying you can't cut public employee pensions is sacrosanct, even if it destroys the state.

[Hardastarboard]

Illinois—a state that has long embraced progressive fiscal policies

I think I may have found the problem.

What's AMAZING to me is what you pointed out in your post (Enchante) - the State of Illinois has violated its own Constitution for 15 years. Who makes the government follow the law? What can anyone do to make them follow the law?

Oh, wait - I have that answer, too. SHUT THE F%%K UP, PEASANT.

[Lurker]

You have it right. Shut up and pay your taxes, peasant. There are only two ways to “make” government, any government, follow the Constitution. One of them is the ballot box.

Can you guess which other box is the second way?

I’ll ring you tomorrow.

L

[RipSawyer]

Nor does any state which voted for Obama for president.

[PhilCollins]

Do you think that the voters should pass a constitutional amendment that would state that, if a budget isn’t approved, in time, the governor and/or legislative leaders will be punished, including a fine and/or jail term? I’m undecided, but I don’t know why our constitution says something that isn’t enforced.

[fieldmarshaldj]

They could pass it, but who’s going to enforce it ?