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Hard Times in Illinois

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Hard Times in Illinois - by Stephen Lendman

With America's worst budget crisis per capita, Illinois reflects the crushing nationwide burden facing most states. As a result since 2008, they raised taxes, made big cuts in health care (including Medicaid), education and other social services. They also laid off thousands of state workers, cut pay and benefits for others, and plan more of the same going forward. 

Collectively in FY 2011, state governments face about a $140 billion deficit, besides major shortfalls in large and small cities. In fact, according to Nick Johnson of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, this year "will actually be the most difficult budget year for states ever," and 2012 may be as or more challenging.

Moreover, unlike 2010, little or no federal aid is planned with Washington in discretionary spending austerity mode. It means states and working Americans will largely be on their own to cope.

On January 5, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's State of the State address suggests what's coming nationwide. Facing a projected $9 billion deficit, he outlined proposed draconian cuts in education, health care, and state payrolls, including pay and benefits, saying "New York spends too much money." So to curb it, he also wants a 20% reduction in state agencies, authorities and commissions, while pledging to keep New York "business friendly," meaning workers will feel pain, not fat cats. 

Accordingly, he announced no tax increase for the wealthy and will let a so-called temporary "millionaire's tax" surcharge on $200,000 a year or more earners expire, depriving the state of $1 billion annually.

Illinois in Deep Crisis

The University of Illinois' Institute of Government & Public Affairs (IGPA) headlined a recent report, "Illinois Budget Woes: Titanic and Sinking," stating:

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