Illinois Governor Confronts Budget Woes

by David Schaper, NPR

Even as states across the country struggle with budget shortfalls, few are as stretched as Illinois. The state is in the midst of a cash-flow crisis, with $5 billion in unpaid bills, and a deficit that is expected to top $11 billion this year. Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to outline the problems, and he may offer a few solutions in his State of the State address today. The governor, who was sworn in after Rod Blagojevich was impeached and thrown out of office a year ago, wants to raise the state's income tax. But first he must survive a primary election that is just three weeks away.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, January 13, 2010