Comptroller: Illinois On Pace To Rack Up $5B Deficit
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger's office says required payments by the state are putting it on pace to rack up a $5 billion deficit.
Munger's office said Tuesday it doesn't have enough money to write timely checks to service providers even on court-ordered payments.
The comptroller writes Illinois' checks but has been hamstrung because Gov. Bruce Rauner and lawmakers are deadlocked on a budget.
Munger spokesman Rich Carter says the Republican is managing the cash shortage and paying nonprofits first.
One consent decree involves 10,000 developmentally disabled residents who live in community homes or larger facilities. A federal judge ordered a payment by Aug. 21 but the state couldn't pay it all.
Barry Taylor of Equip for Equality represents some of the groups. He says they're evaluating legal options.
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