Latest news with #OfficeofBudgetandManagement
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Agencies instructed to withhold funds on top of 5% budget cuts
Agencies were told that the 5% of funding in reserves "are unlikely to be released" on top of earlier budget cuts. (Getty Images) The Braun administration has directed agencies to withhold 5% of their funds from specific budget line items — rather than allowing department heads to identify areas for reserves. This is in addition to appropriation cuts already enacted in the state budget passed in April. In previous years, the Office of Budget and Management traditionally directed agencies to reserve funds but gave agency leaders more discretion in how to achieve the savings. The change appears to stem from a General Assembly addition to the 2025 budget, rather than Gov. Mike Braun. 'For the first time in recent memory, nearly every agency across all three branches of government finds itself entering the first year of a new biennium with fewer resources than it had the year before,' reads a letter from OMB director Chad Ranney dated June 2. 'At the same time, the costs for the state's major programs continue to increase at unsustainable rates. Overcoming these challenges will require each of us to place a renewed focus on fiscal responsibility as well as collective commitment to budget discipline.' The letter goes on to say that 'the amounts withheld are unlikely to be released,' meaning that agencies might need to operate with essentially a 10% budget cut. Ranney asks agencies to identify areas that could be targets for reversions, or mid-year transfers from fund to fund. Such moves were popular prior to COVID-19, when the federal government sent billions to states to avert economic disaster. That state is projected to maintain between $2.25-2.5 billion in reserves throughout the biennium. Budget line items run the gamut from the governor's office and residence to the Indiana State Fair Commission. Even agencies that got a slim budget boost in the 2025 budget — the Department of Correction and the Department of Child Services — were directed to reserve funds related to salaries and general operating funds. Braun defends IU trustee removals, appointees Those agencies were allocated scarce budget dollars due to a shortfall of funds for local jails holding state inmates and increased child caseloads. The state's higher education institutions also weren't spared. Indiana University, Purdue University, Indiana State University, the University of Southern Indiana, Ball State University and Vincennes University all will have funds held back, including specific cuts to satellite campuses. That's on top of lawmakers cutting their appropriations in the two-year budget beginning July 1. The directive follows a grim revenue forecast earlier this year that projected the state would have $2 billion less to spend in the next two-year budget, prompting lawmakers to institute 5% agency cuts largely across the board. The budget bill included another provision, instructing the state's budget director 'to withhold not less than 5% of any appropriation to a state agency to be used for salaries or other wages for state agency employees or general operating expenses of the state agency.' Agency plans are due to the Office of Management and Budget by the end of the month. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Daywatch: Date of Pope Francis' funeral announced
Good morning, Chicago. Saying Chicago's already-precarious financial state is 'at a crossroads' with President Donald Trump threatening to cut billions in funding to the city, Mayor Brandon Johnson yesterday took steps to try to get buy-in from residents and community leaders to make tough upcoming budget decisions. Johnson signed an executive order directing his Office of Budget and Management to host public meetings and make a 'comprehensive' review of all city spending. The order also launched a new working group of business and labor leaders, community groups, aldermen and mayoral staffers tasked with making far-reaching budget recommendations. The mayor's announcement comes after a bruising budget process last fall during which aldermen soundly rejected Johnson's push for a property tax increase as the mayor swore off — and avoided — layoffs and service cuts. Read the full story from the Tribune's Jake Sheridan. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including the state representative who spent thousands on legal fees amid a federal investigation, Walgreens' settlement with the Department of Justice and a review of the complicated story on stage at Drury Lane. Today's eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday after lying in state for three days in St. Peter's Basilica, where the faithful are expected to flock to pay their respects to history's first Latin American pontiff. The cardinals met today in the Vatican's synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis' successor, as condolences poured in from around the world. According to current norms, the conclave must begin between May 5 and 10. The cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. U.S. President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend, and Argentine President Javier Milei is also expected. Related: Who will be the next pope? These cardinals are seen as contenders. From 'conclave' to 'white smoke,' a glossary of terms used in a papal transition In the hours following Pope Francis' death yesterday, leaders from Illinois — including former President Barack Obama and Gov. JB Pritzker — offered their condolences and urged the world to embrace the 88-year-old pontiff's legacy of humility and compassion. Here's what they had to say. The Education Department will begin collection next month on student loans that are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said yesterday. Currently, roughly 5.3 million borrowers are in default on their federal student loans. State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, who's also mayor of Calumet City, paid tens of thousands of dollars in the first quarter of this year to a law firm that specializes in criminal defense, records show, amid a multiyear federal investigation into tax issues involving his campaign funds that sources said is ongoing. The U.S. attorney's office more than three years ago issued a grand jury subpoena to the Illinois State Board of Elections pursuant to an 'official criminal investigation' for records on three campaign funds controlled by Jones. No charges have been filed against Jones, but two people with knowledge of the issue said recently the investigation was still active. Walgreens Boots Alliance has agreed to pay $300 million to settle allegations that it filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances and illegally billed federal programs such as Medicare for those medications, the U.S. Department of Justice announced yesterday. Aurora Mayor-elect John Laesch, a current city alderman at-large, announced yesterday the team of people who will help guide his transition into the mayor's office. Related: Aurora may soon restrict commercial vehicle parking citywide Chase Meidroth's setback is the latest for the White Sox. Given the offensive craziness of the Chicago Cubs' 13-11 win Friday, it was easy to forget that starting pitcher Colin Rea had a strong outing. 'Happy Easter to everyone,' President Donald Trump said, flanked on the White House balcony by his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and an Easter bunny mascot. 'It was a beautiful day yesterday, and it's a beautiful day today. We don't have to worry about sunburn but … it looks like it's not going to be raining.' The American Egg Board, which has participated in the Easter egg roll for nearly 50 years and has been a lead sponsor for the past decade, donated 30,000 eggs that were hand-dyed by board staff and volunteers, said Emily Metz, board president and CEO. Kanye West detailed a years-long, incestuous relationship with an unnamed cousin in his latest social media post. In a post on X, Ye claims his new song 'Cousins' is about how he and a now-incarcerated cousin sexually experimented with each other when they were children. If you are a fan of the novel or the film and want to be reminded of your experience, you'll likely enjoy at least some of this show, staged with an experienced cast.
Chicago Tribune
22-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Daywatch: Date of Pope Francis' funeral announced
Good morning, Chicago. Saying Chicago's already-precarious financial state is 'at a crossroads' with President Donald Trump threatening to cut billions in funding to the city, Mayor Brandon Johnson yesterday took steps to try to get buy-in from residents and community leaders to make tough upcoming budget decisions. Johnson signed an executive order directing his Office of Budget and Management to host public meetings and make a 'comprehensive' review of all city spending. The order also launched a new working group of business and labor leaders, community groups, aldermen and mayoral staffers tasked with making far-reaching budget recommendations. The mayor's announcement comes after a bruising budget process last fall during which aldermen soundly rejected Johnson's push for a property tax increase as the mayor swore off — and avoided — layoffs and service cuts. Read the full story from the Tribune's Jake Sheridan. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including the state representative who spent thousands on legal fees amid a federal investigation, Walgreens' settlement with the Department of Justice and a review of the complicated story on stage at Drury Lane. Date of Pope Francis' funeral announced Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday after lying in state for three days in St. Peter's Basilica, where the faithful are expected to flock to pay their respects to history's first Latin American pontiff. The cardinals met today in the Vatican's synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis' successor, as condolences poured in from around the world. According to current norms, the conclave must begin between May 5 and 10. The cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. U.S. President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend, and Argentine President Javier Milei is also expected. Barack Obama, JB Pritzker among Illinois leaders remembering Pope Francis In the hours following Pope Francis' death yesterday, leaders from Illinois — including former President Barack Obama and Gov. JB Pritzker — offered their condolences and urged the world to embrace the 88-year-old pontiff's legacy of humility and compassion. Here's what they had to say. Education Department to refer student loans in default to debt collection The Education Department will begin collection next month on student loans that are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said yesterday. Currently, roughly 5.3 million borrowers are in default on their federal student loans. State Rep. Thaddeus Jones spent thousands on legal fees amid federal investigation sources say is ongoing State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, who's also mayor of Calumet City, paid tens of thousands of dollars in the first quarter of this year to a law firm that specializes in criminal defense, records show, amid a multiyear federal investigation into tax issues involving his campaign funds that sources said is ongoing. The U.S. attorney's office more than three years ago issued a grand jury subpoena to the Illinois State Board of Elections pursuant to an 'official criminal investigation' for records on three campaign funds controlled by Jones. No charges have been filed against Jones, but two people with knowledge of the issue said recently the investigation was still active. Walgreens to pay $300M to settle with Department of Justice over opioid allegations Walgreens Boots Alliance has agreed to pay $300 million to settle allegations that it filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances and illegally billed federal programs such as Medicare for those medications, the U.S. Department of Justice announced yesterday. Aurora Mayor-elect John Laesch, a current city alderman at-large, announced yesterday the team of people who will help guide his transition into the mayor's office. Chase Meidroth's setback is the latest for the White Sox. Chicago Cubs pitcher Colin Rea is bringing a steadiness to the starting role as he fills a gap in the rotation Given the offensive craziness of the Chicago Cubs' 13-11 win Friday, it was easy to forget that starting pitcher Colin Rea had a strong outing. White House Easter egg roll welcomes thousands 'Happy Easter to everyone,' President Donald Trump said, flanked on the White House balcony by his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and an Easter bunny mascot. 'It was a beautiful day yesterday, and it's a beautiful day today. We don't have to worry about sunburn but … it looks like it's not going to be raining.' The American Egg Board, which has participated in the Easter egg roll for nearly 50 years and has been a lead sponsor for the past decade, donated 30,000 eggs that were hand-dyed by board staff and volunteers, said Emily Metz, board president and CEO. Kanye West reveals past incestuous relationship with male cousin Kanye West detailed a years-long, incestuous relationship with an unnamed cousin in his latest social media post. In a post on X, Ye claims his new song 'Cousins' is about how he and a now-incarcerated cousin sexually experimented with each other when they were children. If you are a fan of the novel or the film and want to be reminded of your experience, you'll likely enjoy at least some of this show, staged with an experienced cast.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brandon Johnson creates fiscal working group to tackle Chicago's budget deficit
The Brief Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order creating a working group to address Chicago's ongoing budget challenges. The group will include business, labor, civic, and community leaders and aims to deliver recommendations for improving efficiency and exploring revenue options. A preliminary report is due by August, with final recommendations expected by May 2026. CHICAGO - Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson launched a citywide initiative Monday aimed at addressing Chicago's structural budget challenges through collaboration and fiscal reform. Johnson signed an executive order which directs the Office of Budget and Management to establish a diverse working group of business leaders, nonprofits, civic groups and City Council members. A preliminary report is due by Aug. 31 with a final report expected by May 31, 2026. The group will review city operations and develop proposals to streamline services, enhance efficiency and explore new revenue strategies. What they're saying "Our city faces two challenges: a structural deficit and a hostile federal administration that has threatened to cut off billions in funding for Chicagoans," Johnson said in a statement. "This executive order is about bringing Chicagoans together so that we can continue the critical work of investing in our people. I have confidence in the collective wisdom and expertise of this wide range of stakeholders that will generate sustainable solutions to the challenges in front of us." Budget director Annette Guzman said the working group represents a "historic opportunity" to rethink how the city manages public funds. The group's recommendations are expected to be incorporated into the fiscal year 2026 budget process. Last December, Chicago City Council passed Johnson's 2025 budget with a 27-23 vote after lengthy negotiations and the removal of a controversial $68 million property tax hike. To read the full executive order, tap here. The Source The information in this report came from the Mayor's Office.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Some Head Start childcare programs in Illinois impacted by funding freeze despite promises otherwise
ELGIN, Ill. – Even after the Trump Administration's recent federal funding freeze was rescinded, dozens of Head Start programs across the country, including some in Illinois, report ongoing issues drawing down approved grant funds. One of those programs is the Two Rivers Head Start Agency, which serves families, including hundreds of children in Elgin, Aurora, and Sycamore. 'This program has been a foundation for my family, providing not only educational support for my children, but also resources and care,' said one parent who serves as a member on the nonprofit's policy council. Head Start locations are early childcare and education programs for children ages three to five from low-income families. Those also offer support services for families, including food, medical, dental, and educational and training programs for parents. In late January, an Executive Order from the Office of Budget and Management announced a temporary pause of agency grant, loan, and financial assistance programs. Two days later, the agency rescinded the budget memo and clarified confusion surrounding the initial order. The White House said Head Start programs would not be affected by a freeze, which at least two federal judges have issued temporary restraining orders on, but agencies claim they are still dealing with major issues that are putting the services they offer at risk. Two River Head Start Agency's executive director, Kelly Neidel, said whether the system to access payroll and payments from the federal government – including grant funding already approved – depends on the day. They have been able to draw down some funding but have also run into continuous issues, she said. 'One day the system is turned on, the next day it's not,' said Neidel. 'People have this misconception when you're federally funded, when you get your grant, you just get this whole pool of money and that is not the case.' Leadership at the nonprofit join other Head Start programs across the country in sharing concerns that ongoing delays could have major consequences. '…without the ability to predictably pay the rent, buy the food needed to feed the children, and meet payroll, our entire operation is in jeopardy,' read part of a statement from National Head Start Association (NHSA) Executive Director Yasima Vinci. NHSA stated the current issues are impacting close to 50 programs serving around 20,000 children across the U.S. On Saturday, Governor JB Pritzker was at Two Rivers' location in Elgin and shared his frustrations – something he has been vocal about since the initial executive order. 'I'm honestly angry that the president and his pet oligarch don't care. They don't seem to care one whit about these folks or about the children that they serve,' said Pritzker. 'Across the state of Illinois, they rely on federal funding to help people in need and shelters for unhoused youth, programs for victims of domestic violence, healthcare clinics, meals on wheels for seniors and on and on, working families and the most vulnerable people in our state are experiencing real pain.' Amid mounting concerns over current delays, Neidel said they have had to let go of two staff members. Leadership said they fear if the Trump Administration doesn't fix the issue, Two Rivers Head Start Agency will face devastating decisions that will ultimately impact everyone from the teachers and staff to the families receiving services. 'If the center were to close down, it would not only affect my family but many others who rely on it for early childhood education and support,' said one woman. 'This place is more than just a daycare. It is a school, a food pantry, and a help center. This place is my village.' The Administration for Children and Families blamed funding issues on 'technical issues' and said those would be fixed, though some users may still have issues. 'They lied to us. We were not told these programs were going to be cut and even when they said they were going to bring them back online, they were still lying to us about that,' said Pritzker. Despite two federal judges' block on the Trump Administration's now-rescinded executive order putting a halt to federal grant and loan funding, attorney generals from nearly two dozen states have filed a motion asking a judge to order the White House unfreeze all previously awarded grant funding. The joint filing was submitted Friday by leaders, including Attorney General Kwame Raoul, claiming the Trump Administration is defying the order by U.S. District Judge Jack McConnell. In the meantime, Two Rivers Head Start Agency said it is pleading with President Trump and his administration to fix the issue. Between their three locations, Neidel said, 37 percent of the approximately 240 children they serve are experiencing homelessness, 3 percent are in foster homes, 11 percent live below the poverty line, and 43 percent of families receive public assistance. 'What he's really done is manufactured a crisis where everyone, including his own voters who depend on programs like Head Start, are hurting,' said Sen. Tammy Duckworth. 'The financial setbacks triggered by Trump's illegal freeze are cruelly forcing providers to weigh impossible decisions.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
