Illinois Facing Massive Budget Problems for Coming Fiscal Year

FIRST PERSON | I live in Bunker Hill, Ill. Already this year, Illinois has added to its financial problems. This article examines a few of the many major financial issues facing the state.

Budget Under-Spends for Education and Human Services.

Gov. Pat Quinn plans to sign the budget into law Thursday. The plan is for the spending of $33.4 billion. Quinn would like to have $36 billion. Because of the shortfall, education and human services will be hard-hit. The governor has already cut $52 million from education transportation to help pay for past Medicare expenses. This adds an extra burden on school expenses. Most school districts are already operating in the red.

Pension Reform

Senate Bill 512 has been placed on hold until after the summer recess. It will be debated and see action during the fall session. The state has underfunded its teacher pension by about $2.2 billion. If lawmakers kept up with their responsibilities, the taxpayers would only have to pay about $700 million this year. This does not include what the state owes to its other pension systems.

Bills Go Unpaid

This state has a back log of unpaid bills. It is $4 billion behind in back bills, according to Bloomberg News. The state has been adding to this back log for the past three years. Help at Home Incorporated, which is based in Chicago, is owed over $43 million. The state hasn't talked to that group since December. It owes money on everything from financial institutions to pizza bills. How can anyone have an unpaid pizza bill? The state doesn't even have a plan in place to pay these back bills.

Schools and Municipalities; On the Home Front

I have been an alderman in my town for the past 12 years. Right before the last election, we were given a letter that said we would be receiving $100,000 for a new library, $100,000 for a medical center, $100,000 for our park and about an extra $40,0000 a year for MFT (Motor Fuel Tax). The city has yet to see a penny. Our school district is owed about $600,000 in back funds. My municipality has maintained a balanced budget, but time and funds are running out. The school has made drastic cuts. It eliminated all preschool last year and is dropping much-needed classes at the high school this year.