Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger this week presented an outline describing how a failure to reach a budget agreement by July 1 will impact residents and organizations statewide.

Munger stressed reform measures, indicating that the structural changes are critical to making the state more competitive. Reform, she said, should be a priority that comes before any discussion about new revenue.

Munger also said she will not have the appropriations authority to make most new payments beginning in the new fiscal year beginning July 1, which could result in delayed payments to Medicaid providers. Munger also said she would be unable to issue paychecks for state employees as of July 15 without a budget. Payments that would not cease include debt payments and payments for pension and retiree benefits, as well as checks for some programs that provide assistance for needy families, seniors and the blind. Certain payments to local governments would also continue, Munger said.