New study finds huge jump in Ill. budget deficit

SPRINGFIELD -- A new study says the size of the Illinois budget deficit has nearly doubled in just two years.

The budget gap for this year is $8.1 billion, according to the Commercial Club of Chicago. Two years ago, the group put the gap at $4.3 billion.

The club's Civic Committee includes a long list of expenses and obligations in its figures. That produces a larger deficit estimate than the one from the Illinois comptroller's office.

But no matter how the figure is calculated, the fact that it has nearly doubled suggests serious problems for state government.

The Commercial Club calls for cutting pension and Medicaid costs and dramatically reducing state spending. It also rejects tax increases.