Bill backlog at pre-9/11 level

Posted on June 7, 2021
Comptroller Susana Mendoza. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The state’s checkwriter-in-chief says her office has reached a real milestone.

Comptroller Susana Mendoza says Illinois is not out of the woods. Just look at unfunded pension liabilities. On the other hand, look at something she has more control over.

“In terms of the bill backlog itself, we have gone from almost $17 billion to $3.5 or $4 billion,” Mendoza said. “The last time we were this current (30 days or fewer) on paying our bills was in 2001, right before Sept. 11.”

Mendoza also described her family’s journey out of a gang-infested Chicago neighborhood into the suburbs – and her subsequent return to the city to begin a political career.

Mendoza, who opposes the idea of combining her office with that of the treasurer, appeared virtually through a program at SIU’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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