"The state is approaching a death spiral — departing people and businesses suppress growth; the legislature responds by raising taxes; the exodus accelerates."

Credit ratings agencies sound alarm over local pension debt in Illinois https://t.co/pYt7Yi56OJ

— AM 560 The Answer (@AM560TheAnswer) May 21, 2018

George Will: In Illinois, a looming battle over the bankrupting 'blue model' https://t.co/z4KWdjxJ1v via @cstribune

— Wirepoints (@Wirepoints) November 17, 2017

"Self-government has failed in the nation's currently fifth-most populous state (Pennsylvania soon will pass it)."

The state is approaching a death spiral — departing people and businesses suppress growth; the legislature responds by raising taxes; the exodus accelerates.

...What is already admitted to? "Unfunded state and local government retirement debt is more than $260 billion and rising.

Nearly 25% of the state's general funds go to retirees (many living in Texas and Florida).