Chicago, IL – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will meet Thursday with top legislators to talk about budget remedies. Quinn says the budget is in worse shape than expected.
Illinois lawmakers passed a bare bones budget. It allocates half of money Quinn had proposed for social services and other state programs.
Now, the governor's office says it has found the budget spends more than Illinois has.
Quinn spokeswoman Katie Ridgway says the office is working to determine the amount of the shortfall. But she says it will mean more cuts at all state agencies.
The legislative budget doesn't outline specifics, so it's up to the governor to decide where to make cuts.
There is another option. Quinn could let agencies spend without making cuts, with the expectation that when the money runs out in six months or so, legislators would approve new revenue sources.
But Ridgway says Quinn isn't going to do that.
"This is a one year budget, with many programs funded at 50% levels. It would be irresponsible to leave Illinois providers with no funding from January to June of 2010," says Ridgway.
Ridgway says Quinn will continue to advocate for a tax increase that would stave off cuts. He has until July First.
Thanks to Illinois Public Radio