State Budgets: Illinois Budget in Crisis as Governor Clings to Office December 31, 2008 Joseph Bishop-Henchman Joseph Bishop-Henchman Embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) pulled a “Washington Monument” stunt in August when he announced the closure of 12 state historic sites and seven parks to save $2 million, along with layoffs in the Department of Children and Family Services and other agencies (including 85 state employees fired over Thanksgiving weekend). The effort, ostensibly to help close a $2 billion shortfall in the state’s $49 billion budget, has actually led to some closures but the state’s budget shortfall remains. The state is also increasingly having trouble paying its bills. Observers seem to think that a solution must wait for the eventual swearing in of Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn (D). More on Illinois here. Stay informed on the tax policies impacting you. Subscribe to get insights from our trusted experts delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Share Tweet Share Email Topics Illinois Tags State Tax and Spending Policy