Illinois

The municipal market’s buyside views Chicago’s pension reform appeal before the Illinois Supreme Court as a longshot and wants the city to come up with an alternative.

Cook County, Illinois board President Toni Preckwinkle defended its newly approved $4.5 billion 2016 budget, which relies on several tax hikes, as a “responsible” plan to meet county’s pension and budget needs.

The Chicago City Council adopted new rules governing any future asset privatization deals against a backdrop of lingering political and public anger over the city’s parking meter lease fiasco.

The fate of Chicago’s overhaul of two of its four pension funds now rests with the seven justices of the Illinois Supreme Court.

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority is highlighting to investors its double-A ratings and fiscal strength as it prices a $400 million deal against a backdrop of two recent downgrades to Illinois state general obligation bonds.