After a decade of increasing spending, in this years budget debate responsible spenders start off with their backs to the goal line.

The Institute responds to an interview Quinn spokesperson Kelly Kraft gave Illinois Statehouse News.

Illinois is in a fiscal abyss, and without stringent reforms the state will continue failing. That’s why the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute has proposed “Budget Solutions 2012"...

Budget Solutions 2012 is an alternative budget that does not rely on the state’s recent tax hikes as a revenue source, does not include borrowing and has positive cash flow for fiscal year 2012.

If Illinois fails financially, it will not do so in unison with the rest of the country. Will voters from Texas, Florida and the rest of the states send their tax dollars to help? Perhaps the success of "The Mount Vernon Statement" suggests not.

If Illinois fails financially, it will not do so in unison with the rest of the country. Will voters from Texas, Florida and the other 45 states send their tax dollars to help? Perhaps the success of "The Mount Vernon Statement" suggests not.

The U.S. Government faces some major budget challenges. President Obama unveiled his fiscal year 2012 budget today and will present it to Congress.