Groups plead for Illinois to pay its bills

SPRINGFIELD -- A coalition of human service groups is pleading with the state of Illinois to pay its overdue bills.

The groups want Gov. Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes to work out their differences and take out a short-term loan. The state could then pay some of the money it owes to the groups that provide services on behalf of the state.

Illinois uses them to do everything from feeding the poor to counseling drug addicts to caring for battered women.

The Child Care Association of Illinois says its members haven't been paid in five months and the state owes $23 million.

The Illinois Human Services Coalition warns that some local providers have shut their doors and many more will go out of business soon.