Macomb, IL – A debate between Democratic Comptroller Dan Hynes and Republican challenger Carole Pankau heated up during the final few minutes over the topic of the state's slow reimbursement to Medicaid providers. Hynes said the problem was created by the General Assembly, of which Pankou is a member. Pankou said the comptroller is the keeper of the state checkbook and can determine which bills get paid first. Pankou also said Hynes held back a report that stated the program was underfunded until just before the July 4 holiday. Hynes pressed Pankou on whether she was accusing him of deliberately holding back a report, to which she replied "Yes." Hynes called that an irresponsible and wrong claim. The candidates also talked about the budget process, funding for stem cell research, and whether the comptroller's office should be combined with the treasurer's office. The forum was held at Western Illinois University. You can listen to the complete debate by clicking on the audio button above.
Comptroller Candidates Clash Over Medicaid Payments
