Why does Illinois need to make tough choices?
Due to the poor national economy, Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2010 revenue is projected to continue to decline to near Fiscal Year 2004 levels. In addition, increases in Medicaid costs, social services, employee benefits, and other required costs mean that spending would be $34.3 billion in fiscal year 2010 without reform and cuts. For Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010, Illinois would have a combined $11.6 billion budget deficit.
