Panel faces deadline for solution to Illinois budget

SPRINGFIELD — An effort to overhaul Illinois’ troubled budget is under way.

The “Budgeting for Results Commission” is supposed to report by Nov. 1 on the most important goals for state government and the best ways to pay for them.

The commission’s duties include saying what percentage of state funds should be devoted to needs like education and public safety.

Members of the commission include Nobel Prize-winning economist Roger Myerson, state legislators from both parties, business leaders and advocates for human services.

The panel held its first meeting Friday.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn has made “budgeting for results” a theme of his administration. He promises it will improve efficiency and encourage innovation.