COGFA FY 2024 Updated Projection
The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) increased their FY 2024 Illinois revenue estimate by $1.979B, from $50.611B at the time the budget was enacted to $52.590B today. Nearly half, or $881M, of the revenue increase comes from one-time revenue sources. The state received $633M from Medicaid matching reimbursement in FY 2023 and $248M from a transfer of unused state tax incentive funds in FY 2022.
The other half of the revenue increase is the result of state tax revenue collections thus far into FY 2024 exceeding the projected amounts when the budget was passed. COGFA increased projected corporate income tax by $267M, sales tax by $72M, all other state sources by $575M, and transfers in by $392M. Interest on state funds and investments make up $350M of the $575M increase to all other state sources. On the flip side, COGFA decreased projected federal revenues by $208M and did not amend their projection for personal income tax revenues, despite being up 5.3% over budget assumptions thus far into the fiscal year. COGFA conservatively projects that personal income tax could decline in the final few months of the fiscal year, given weakening employment and wage growth trends in recent months and historic volatility in income tax collections over the final few months of each fiscal year. If revenues continue on their current pace for the remainder of the fiscal year, the state will exceed COGFA’s personal income tax revenue projections.
The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) also updated their FY 2024 revenue projection last month. COGFA’s March revenue projection is $374M higher than GOMB’s February projection. Most of the differences between the two projections are because GOMB’s projection did not factor in February revenues, whereas COGFA’s did. Neither COGFA nor GOMB revised their personal income tax projections from the original budget assumption. COGFA’s corporate income tax projection is $214M higher than GOMB’s, largely because GOMB’s projection did not factor in February revenue amounts, which saw 19% year-over-year growth. Conversely, COGFA’s updated sales tax projection is $44M lower than GOMB’s, reflecting the continued impacts of high interest rates, inflation, and weaker sales tax performance in February. COGFA projects $58M more from all other state sources and $48M more from transfers in than GOMB. Finally, COGFA projects $100M more than GOMB from unused tax incentive funds being transferred back to the General Revenue Fund, which occurred in January and was not factored into GOMB’s projection.
COGFA FY 2025 Projection
COGFA also released an FY 2025 revenue projection. The agency projects $52.077B in general funds revenues in FY 2025, $513M below its March FY 2024 projection. When factoring out the $881M in one-time revenues received in FY 2024, COGFA is projecting a base revenue increase of $368M in FY 2025. COGFA projects that FY 2025 personal income tax revenue will be $847M greater, corporate income tax will be $545M less, and sales tax will be $25M greater than FY 2024. All other state sources are projected to be $70M less than FY 2024 as interest rates are expected to decrease from their high point in FY 2023 and FY 2024. The large increase to personal income tax revenue is the result of the Department of Revenue’s continued true-up process, despite expected weaker taxable income growth relative to the previous few years. The projected decrease in corporate income tax revenue can be explained by slowing corporate profits and the return of the Net Operating Loss deduction without a cap. Additionally, lower corporate income tax revenues are to be expected as a part of the true-up process. Sales tax revenues could increase as interest rates decrease, despite slower income growth.
Gov. Pritzker’s Proposed FY 2025 Revenue Changes
Gov. Pritzker’s proposed FY 2025 budget included a variety of changes to increase state revenues by a projected $1.098B in FY 2025. COGFA did not release an FY 2025 projection that factors in the governor’s proposed revenue changes, as they could be changed in the final enacted FY 2025 budget. The proposed revenue changes are listed below.
- $81M net increase to personal income tax by decreasing the standard deduction amount and creating a new refundable child tax credit.
- $526M increase in corporate income tax by increasing the corporate net operating loss deduction threshold from $100,000 to $500,000.
- $276M increase in sales tax revenues by a $175M Road Fund offset and $101M from creating a $1,000 per month cap on the retailers discount.
- -$10M by raising the corporate franchise tax exemption to $10,000.
- $25M one-time increase by distributing a portion of Real Estate Transfer Tax revenues to the General Revenue Fund instead of the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Fund.
- $200M increase to transfers in by increasing the Sports Wagering Tax rate from 15% to 35%.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
April 5 – House Committee Deadline
April 12 – Senate Third Reading Deadline
April 19 – House Third Reading Deadline
May 3 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 17 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 24 – Adjournment
May 25-31 – Contingent Session Days for Budget
November 5 – 2024 General Election
In the News
Mary Flowers planning to return to Springfield following election defeat – The Daily Line, March 29, 2024
Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) is planning to return to Springfield and continue serving in the House following her primary election defeat on March 19. The loss will end Flowers’ political career next January following 40 years in the General Assembly. Flowers lost the 31st House District Democratic primary to Mike Crawford, dean of The Chicago School, 69 percent to 31 percent last week.
Southern Illinois Republicans vote to keep Freedom Caucus intact, but split on Bailey vs. Bost – The Daily Line, March 28, 2024
Republican incumbents for Congress and the Illinois House faced stiff primary challenges this year, but voters rewarded the incumbents, giving convincing approval to members of the Illinois House Freedom Caucus and a narrow victory to U.S. Rep. Mike Bost.
Capitol Briefs: Advocates push for guaranteed income, child care assistance – Capitol News Illinois, March 27, 2024
The Illinois Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear the case of actor Jussie Smollett, who was convicted for staging a hate crime against him in 2019 in a case that drew criticism for Cook County’s top prosecutor.
Illinois lawmakers aim to make farm grant program permanent – WGEM, March 28, 2024
A bipartisan group of Illinois lawmakers wants to make permanent a grant programing aiming to help farmers, co-ops and other small food producers across the state. The Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) program is awarding nearly $2 million in grants to 19 recipients across the state.
Pritzker reappoints Tate-Nadeau to handle emergencies, but senators concerned over payroll scandal – Chicago Sun Times, March 28, 2024
Amid heightened scrutiny over Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s appointments to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, the reappointment of Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau is also raising eyebrows by state senators who say they want more answers from the agency head over a payroll scandal that cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Proposed Illinois bill would prevent employers from requiring microchip implants – WCIA, March 28, 2024
A proposal in the Illinois statehouse would prevent employers from requiring any of their employees to get a microchip implanted. Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) has filed a bill that prevent Illinoisans from being microchipped without their consent. The law protects all Illinoisans from being required, coerced, or compelled to undergo the implanting of an identification chip under their skin by anyone, but has special protections for employees.
Proposal would have taxpayers fund statewide, $1,000 monthly ‘guaranteed income’ – The Center Square, March 27, 2024
A measure creating a task force to look into monthly guaranteed taxpayer-funded “unrestricted cash” subsidies to certain individuals in Illinois is being discussed in the state legislature. An Illinois Senate appropriations committee Wednesday heard about Senate Bill 3462 from state Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago.
Which Republicans Are Positioning For A Run For Governor? – The Illinoize, March 27, 2024
It’s nearly impossible to know what Illinois’ political environment will look like in 2025 when candidates for governor file petitions for the 2026 primary election. We don’t know if Donald Trump will still hang over the heads of the GOP in the suburbs. We don’t know if JB Pritzker is running for a third term. We don’t know who is writing checks, what the economy looks like, or any number of things more than a year before candidates are launching a statewide race.
Pritzker leans into role as Illinois’ CMO – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 27, 2024
Early last month, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker invited a couple dozen site-selection consultants to a River North restaurant to get better acquainted. Pritzker and his economic team were feeling good about some big wins, such as Stellantis and Gotion’s electric vehicle and battery plants, respectively, and wanted to tell the state’s story.
Opinion: Why Illinois is right for manufacturers – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 26, 2024
The wave of new manufacturing projects in Illinois is starting to roll in. To keep this tide rising, we need to emphasize Illinois’ superior water and power capacity, coupled with its reduced climate risk — all ingredients ideal for high-tech manufacturers and other new industries.
Did Gaza protest vote make a mark on Illinois primary, impact support for Biden? – Chicago Sun-Times, March 26, 2024
Amid a growing split in the Democratic Party over the war in Gaza, Palestinian and Muslim community leaders called on voters to protest President Joe Biden in the Illinois primary last week by writing in “Gaza” or leaving the presidential line blank. So did that effort make a mark? Illinois doesn’t make it easy to figure that out.
Primary bright spot for Chicago progressives: Guzman wins more than half of votes in closely watched 20th Senate District – The Daily Line, March 26, 2024
It wasn’t the best primary night for progressives in Chicago, but Graciela Guzman’s victory in the 20th Senate District was decisive after she tallied most of the votes in one of the most expensive races in Illinois. The latest election results in the 20th Senate District on Chicago’s Northwest Side shows Guzman received 51.3 percent of the vote, 13,287 votes, while Sen. Natalie Toro (D-Chicago) came in second with 29.3 percent. Self-funder Dave Nayak received 15 percent and Geary Yonker received 4.3 percent.
Employment in 16 states including Illinois still below pre-COVID levels – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 25, 2024
Employment in nearly one-third of US states remains below pre-pandemic levels, with California and New York registering the steepest declines that likely reflect a pickup in migration to other parts of the country. In 16 states, a total of more than one million fewer people were employed, based on household data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Maryland and Illinois also had notable decreases in employment since February 2020.
Feds say crucial witness against Michael Madigan gave false answer while trying to buy gun – Chicago Sun-Times, March 22, 2024
A crucial witness in the investigation that led to the indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan gave a false answer about the criminal charge hanging over his head as he tried to buy a gun earlier this month, federal prosecutors disclosed Friday. Fidel Marquez did not succeed in purchasing the firearm, and no new criminal charges appear to have been filed against him. He has also previously been allowed to possess firearms while awaiting sentencing on the bribery conspiracy charge he pleaded guilty to in 2020.
Illinois Speaker Welch apologizes for memo ordering Democratic lawmakers not to answer Tribune questions – Chicago Tribune, March 23, 2024
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch apologized to Chicago Tribune reporters and the Statehouse press corps Saturday, saying an order his office issued instructing members of his Democratic majority not to speak to a Tribune reporter about “political matters” at the State Capitol or elsewhere was a “mistake.”
Pritzker takes show on the road – Politico, March 22, 2024
Move over Gavin Newsom. Gov. JB Pritzker is headed to California to make a pitch that Illinois is a good place to make movies and prop up tech firms. He leaves Sunday. Get the show on the road: Pritzker and film industry leaders will be promoting the Illinois Film Production Services Tax Credit in meetings with “major studios and distributors,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.
Why Illinois voters were no-shows at the polls Tuesday – Daily Herald, March 22, 2024
When all the votes are certified by the Illinois Board of Elections next month, it will likely show the lowest turnout for a presidential primary in at least 34 years. And there’s still a chance the state could see the lowest voter turnout for any party primary dating back to 1978.
Strong Illinois economy has been very good for business – Daily Herald, March 24, 2024
Don’t tell the naysayers, but Illinois’ economy continues to remain strong. We are America’s sixth-largest state and fifth-largest economy, now generating $1.1 trillion annually — more than 13 other states combined. Indeed, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Illinois’ economy has expanded by $217 billion over the past five years. That’s more than all the goods and services produced every year in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Alaska combined.
Successful Primary Candidates on What Worked and What’s Next – The Illinoize, March 23, 2024
Just two days after winning a hotly contested Senate primary across a large swath of northwest and north central Illinois, former Dixon Mayor Li Arellano wasn’t taking a vacation or sleeping in. Arellano is deployed beginning this weekend for National Guard training at Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin.
After Illinois Supreme Court Loss, Jesse Reyes Reflects on Latino Representation on the Bench – WTTW, March 22, 2024
Tuesday’s primary election included the race for a seat on the Illinois Supreme Court — pitting incumbent Justice Joy Cunningham against Cook County Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes. The campaign highlighted the lack of Latino representation on the state’s top court — which has long been a concern of many in the Latino legal community and beyond. Cunningham won the race with almost 75% of the vote after being appointed to the seat in 2022.
Tipped workers in Illinois deserve the full minimum wage – Chicago Sun-Times, March 24, 2024
In the Chicago area and across the country, people are taking a closer look at tipping, something that has long been ingrained in our culture. We all know it is customary to leave a gratuity for the person who has provided us with a service, but beneath this seemingly harmless custom lies a deeply flawed system: the sub-minimum tipped wage.
The DNC will shine a spotlight on Chicago — for better or worse – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 25, 2024
A national spotlight will shine on Chicago in August when 50,000 visitors, including 15,000 members of the media, come to town for the Democratic National Convention. The question is whether Chicago’s four-day star turn will prove to be a good thing. “What’s at stake for us is being able to have a dramatic impact on our reputation and in reshaping our narrative,” says Rich Gamble, interim president and CEO of Choose Chicago.
And then there were four: A look at the races for the 6th and 11th district congressional seats – Daily Herald, March 23, 2024
The Republicans taking on Democratic U.S. Rep. Bill Foster of Naperville in Illinois’ 11th District and Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove in the 6th District are no strangers to the election process — but neither has advanced beyond a primary contest before.
15 Alderpeople ask for special council meeting on Sigcho-Lopez’s future as housing committee chair – The Daily Line, March 28, 2024
Fifteen alderpeople are calling for Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) to lose his position as chair of the housing committee as a consequence of speaking at a pro-Palestine protest last week where a protester burned an American flag. The alderpeople have called for a special City Council meeting on April 1 to vote on a resolution to amend the City Council Rules of Order and Procedure to rescind his chairpersonship if the 25th Ward alderperson doesn’t resign first.
Mayor Johnson backs Ald. Sigcho-Lopez in flag-burning controversy – Chicago Sun Times, March 28, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday made it clear he has no intention of dumping a member of his City Council leadership team for appearing at a rally outside City Hall where an American flag was burned to protest U.S. support for Israel. Johnson likened the controversy that’s been simmering around his hand-picked Housing Committee chair, Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th), to the furor that surrounded Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s controversial pastor.
Despite $1B cost, mayor open to helping develop area around proposed new Bears stadium on lakefront – Chicago Sun Times, March 28, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson has already cracked the door open to providing a public subsidy to build a new, $1.2 billion White Sox stadium in the South Loop, provided the team and its developer “put some skin in the game.” On Thursday, he did the same for the Bears. That’s despite the $1 billion price tag on the team’s ambitious plan to develop the land around a domed lakefront stadium with a hotel, sports museum and pedestrian bridge to Northerly Island.
Chicago Water Taxi Coming Back With Daily Rides – Block Club Chicago, March 29, 2024
The Chicago Water Taxi will soon be back to ferrying people along the river seven days a week. The water taxi — which has six routes — limited service in 2019 and again during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s bringing back daily rides starting Saturday, according to the Tribune’s Sarah Freishtat.
Advocates Cry Foul Over Forthcoming Policy to Make Chicago’s Buildings Safe for Birds, Call Lack of Mandatory Requirements ‘Enraging’ – WTTW, March 27, 2024
In mid-April, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development is set to release an update to the city’s sustainable development policy — the first in seven years — and what may or may not be included in the document is already creating controversy. Having been informed of the policy’s contents in advance of the release, Bird Friendly Chicago — a coalition that includes the Chicago Bird Alliance, Chicago Ornithological Society, Chicago Bird Collision Monitors and Feminist Bird Club Chicago — is furious that no element of bird-friendly design will be compulsory.
Pritzker sends Cook County Democratic Party $250K ‘to turn out voters’ in November – Chicago Sun Times, March 28, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is doling out $250,000 to the Cook County Democratic Party to bolster voter turnout in November’s general election after the city saw one of the lowest presidential primary turnouts since at least 1944. Pritzker’s contribution was received by the Illinois State Board of Elections on March 21, two days after the March 19 primary. But a Pritzker campaign spokeswoman said the contribution was always intended to come after the election, regardless of results in the primary.
Calumet City Ald. James Patton announces run for mayor, possible challenge to Thaddeus Jones – Chicago Tribune, March 28, 2024
Calumet City 6th Ward Ald. James Patton announced Thursday he will run for mayor next year, becoming the first announced challenger to a possible reelection bid from incumbent Mayor Thaddeus Jones, who is also state representative. Since he took office in May 2021, Patton, a longtime city official, has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the Jones administration.
Progressive Caucus says Bring Chicago Home defeat reflects ‘real questions’ voters had about whether ‘they could trust the government to spend the money’ prudently – The Daily Line, March 27, 2024
Following the defeat of the Bring Chicago Home referendum, which would have allowed the City Council to retool the real estate transfer tax structure, the City Council Progressive Caucus said they understood and heard the message voters sent through their votes and will commit to improving trust in city government.
15 Alderpeople likely to ask for special council meeting on Sigcho-Lopez’s future as housing committee chair – The Daily Line, March 28, 2024
Fifteen alderpeople are calling for Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) to lose his position as chair of the housing committee as a consequence of speaking at a pro-Palestine protest last week where a protester burned an American flag.
Johnson now has two vacancies to fill on zoning board – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 27, 2024
Sam Toia, head of the Illinois Restaurant Association, has stepped down from an appointed position on the city’s quasi-judicial Zoning Board of Appeals, doubling the vacancies on the board that Mayor Brandon Johnson has yet to address.
Ex-Gov. Quinn wants new Chicago stadiums up for a vote – CBS News, March 27, 2024
On Wednesday, former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced a plan to put new stadiums for the Chicago Bears and the Chicago White Sox up for a vote.
Progressive Caucus says Bring Chicago Home defeat reflects ‘real questions’ voters had about whether ‘they could trust the government to spend the money’ prudently – The Daily Line, March 27, 2024
Following the defeat of the Bring Chicago Home referendum, which would have allowed the City Council to retool the real estate transfer tax structure, the City Council Progressive Caucus said they understood and heard the message voters sent through their votes and will commit to improving trust in city government.
O’Neill Burke maintains narrow lead over Harris for state’s attorney as race comes down to wire – Chicago Tribune, March 26, 2024
As Eileen O’Neill Burke’s lead over Clayton Harris III for state’s attorney stayed roughly the same Tuesday, both campaigns looked to expected vote tallies on Wednesday and Thursday to provide clarity in the Democratic primary race. But whether that results in a winner or a call for a recount remains to be seen. City and suburban election officials Tuesday counted only about 1,000 new Democratic mail-in ballots in the race, giving O’Neill Burke, a retired appellate court judge, a 50.15% to 49.85% lead over Harris. In pure numbers, O’Neill Burke’s lead shrank slightly, to 1,598 votes over Harris.
News in brief: Recount appears possible in state’s attorney primary; Immigration committee to consider ordinance on shelter eviction data; Park district workers authorize strike – The Daily Line, March 27, 2024
As the Democratic Party primary for Cook County State’s Attorney comes down to the wire, a recount appears possible. The City Council’s immigration committee will consider legislation to make data on migrant shelter evictions public, and Chicago Park District workers authorized a strike amid contract negotiations.
Chicago Park District union workers authorize strike – Chicago Sun-Times, March 26, 2024
Chicago Park District union workers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike after more than nine months of contract negotiations. SEIU Local 73, which represents more than 2,200 park district workers, seeks competitive pay increases, a $20 hourly minimum wage, health insurance for every worker and more full-time positions.
More Chicagoans lacked heat in January than any month since 2019 amid historic cold – WBEZ Chicago, March 26, 2024
Doris Tompkins, 82, is used to covering her windows with plastic wrap to keep the cold at bay. For many renters, that and calling the city are “basically all you can do” when the heat goes out, said Tompkins, a resident of South Shore for more than 40 years. “If you don’t own the building, it’s hard to get help,” she said.
As number of mail-in ballots dwindles, O’Neill Burke’s lead over Harris in state’s attorney’s race is trimmed again – Chicago Tribune, March 25, 2024
With the universe of returning mail-in ballots from the city and suburbs slowing considerably, retired Appellate Judge Eileen O’Neill Burke’s lead over university lecturer and government official Clayton Harris III dipped below 1,700 votes on Monday in the Democratic primary for Cook County state’s attorney. Harris on Monday was just 1,643 votes behind O’Neill Burke as a wave of nearly 5,300 Democratic mail-in ballots from both the city and suburbs were tallied by the Chicago Board of Elections and Cook County clerk’s office.
City Council’s Progressive Caucus responds to ‘Bring Chicago Home’ defeat with ‘we heard you’ humility – Chicago Sun-Times, March 25, 2024
The City Council’s Progressive Caucus on Monday responded with “We heard you” humility to the defeat of a binding referendum that would have authorized the Council to raise the transaction tax on high-end property sales to generate $100 million in a year to combat homelessness. Mayor Brandon Johnson had struck a defiant tone after his signature “Bring Chicago Home” referendum was rejected by a margin of about 4.6 percentage points.
Social Justice Groups Sue City Over Denial To March At Democratic National Convention – Block Club Chicago, March 25, 2024
Three social justice groups are suing the city in federal court to protest closer to the Democratic National Convention this August. The lawsuit comes after the Anti-War Committee Chicago, Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and Students for a Democratic Society were denied protest routes around the United Center, where the DNC will be held.
Wards held by Chicago’s political dynasties have a common trait: lower crime – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 26, 2024
Until the last decade, Chicago’s political dynasties reigned supreme. But they also had the power to exacerbate inequality throughout the city. That’s according to a new study conducted by researchers at Harvard and the University of Chicago. Researchers examined crime rates from 2011 to 2018 in wards held by aldermen who were part of political dynasties — those who had a family member involved in Chicago or Illinois politics.
Will Dems remember how to party? – Politico, March 25, 2024
If you thought the competition to throw the best White House Correspondents’ Dinner after-party was stiff, party planners organizing events around the Democratic National Convention in Chicago are taking it to another level. Every election cycle (global pandemic allowing), thousands of party officials, celebrities, lobbyists, business executives, donors and reporters flood the host city to witness the official business of nominating a candidate for president. But, honestly, a lot of them are there to party.
State’s attorney’s race tightens to just 2,000 votes as city elections board acknowledges mail-in ballot miscalculation – Chicago Tribune, March 24, 2024
Already the Chicago area’s most closely watched primary campaign this year, the race for Cook County state’s attorney devolved into some confusion and much frustration this weekend as city election officials acknowledged a mistake in communicating how many vote-by-mail ballots were being counted and results between the two Democratic candidates continued to tighten.
Bring Chicago Home tax referendum officially fails – CBS News, March 22, 2024
The Bring Chicago Home ballot referendum calling for the use real estate transfer taxes to fight homelessness has officially failed, according to The Associated Press. With all precincts reporting, the referendum failed by a vote of 53.2% to 46.8%. A total of 173,217 votes were cast against the initiative, while 152,248 were cast for it.
Ex-Ald. Ed Burke retires as a lawyer after the state’s highest court failed to pull his law license – Chicago Sun-Times, March 25, 2024
Former Chicago Ald. Burke has formally retired as a lawyer, a change in status from just two weeks ago when WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times first reported how a hamstrung Illinois Supreme Court failed to suspend his law license after his federal corruption conviction. The state Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission website is now revealing that new status, though it’s not clear in the public record when exactly the change happened.
City Hall got $1M in fees after Sun-Times asked promoters, teams: Why haven’t you paid up? – Chicago Sun-Times, March 22, 2024
When Green Day, Def Leppard and Maroon 5 headlined separate concerts at Wrigley Field in August 2021, the city of Chicago billed the promoter nearly $24,000 to cover the cost of city employees working as traffic control aides. The bill went unpaid for 2½ years — among a $6.4 billion mountain of uncollected bills, fines and fees that City Hall has allowed to pile up over two decades.
