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Comptroller: Unpaid Bills Nearing 'Crisis'
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- The state comptroller is warning that Illinois' budget problems are growing worse, causing huge headaches for businesses and non-profits that deliver services for the state.

Comptroller Dan Hynes said Tuesday the backlog of unpaid bills has reached $2.9 billion -- a record for this stage in the fiscal year. At this point last year, the backlog was just $1.8 billion.

When government doesn't pay its bills on time, groups that work for the state don't get the money they need for rent and payroll.

Hynes offered such examples as a "meals on wheels" program that can't buy more food and a health care association for the elderly that can't pay its employees.

Hynes is challenging Gov. Pat Quinn in the Democratic primary. Quinn issued a statement defending his efforts to balance the budget.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
10 06 09 by Newsroom
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