Illinois, Behind in Bills, Decides to Spend More

by Wesley Fox Despite Illinois’s record deficit and $6 billion in unpaid bills, Governor Quinn recently announced $50 million in new spending for the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative.  The Initiative would focus on job training for adults and small businesses and also provide funds for small businesses in troubled neighborhoods with the goal of addressing violent crime problems by...

by Wesley Fox

Despite Illinois’s record deficit and $6 billion in unpaid bills, Governor Quinn recently announced $50 million in new spending for the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative.  The Initiative would focus on job training for adults and small businesses and also provide funds for small businesses in troubled neighborhoods with the goal of addressing violent crime problems by helping young people get jobs.

According to the Sun-Times, several anti-violence groups waiting for millions in payments from the state are “confused” and “dismayed” by this new program.  Rather than pay overdue bills to these groups, the state appears to be spending money on a new initiative that intends to accomplish similar goals.

Illinois has the worst record when it comes to paying its bills to non-profits.  According to a recent study by the Urban Institute, 72 percent of Illinois non-profits reported late payments from the state.