The latest chapter in Illinois' protracted budget battle will play out this week when Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner gives lawmakers his spending plan for next year.
But Wednesday's speech will be complicated by the fact that the state still doesn't have a budget. The budget should have taken effect last July.
Rauner has says the key to fixing Illinois' finances will be growing the state's economy by creating a pro-business environment. As well as being more fiscally responsible.
Illinois faces a roughly $5-billion budget deficit this year. Its unpaid bill backlog could reach almost $26-billion by 2020 if current revenue and spending policies continue.
