Commentary: Should Illinois' current flat-tax system be changed to a graduated income tax as the state attempts to deal with its ongoing budget struggles? Two experts debate the merits of the two tax systems.

Schools are scheduled to receive payment from the state in just three days, but that can’t happen until the Illinois legislature and the governor approve a new evidence-based funding model.

Daisy Contreras talked to leaders at the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and The Civic Federation to learn about their insights on the state's first spending plan in more than two years.

A tax increase is not the only change coming for some Illinois residents as the new budget package is rolled out.  The General Assembly approved a tax package earlier this month that raises the income tax rates for both businesses and individuals.  But it also comes with an increase to the state’s earned income credit.  

Illinois has more than $100 billion in pension debt. So far, attempts to fix it have been mostly illegal.