http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-990122.mp3
Springfield, IL – A new report from Illinois' Comptroller said the state is making progress paying down its backlog of bills, but at the same time the report warns against a false sense of security.
Last year at this time the backlog stood at $5.5 billion dollars. Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka's latest quarterly report puts today's number at $3.8 billion.
"At first glance you may look at the bill backlog numbers and say 'Wow the state's really improving its fiscal condition. We're in much better shape now than we were,'" said comptroller spokesman Brad Hahn.
"(But) the reality is that the outlook for the next few months is not a whole lot brighter."
Hahn said that's because last year Illinois relied on a few one-time revenue sources to help pay the state's bills. Those included selling bonds from a tobacco settlement, borrowing money, and generating income from a program that gave tax scofflaws a chance to pay their taxes without penalty.
Without that extra cash, there is a higher demand for the money Illinois does have in the bank.
Hahn said the comptroller expects the bill backlog to increase again in the next few months.
He said Topinka will look to the General Assembly to make spending decisions.
Thanks to Illinois Public Radio