"Too many schools, health care providers, and local businesses have been forced to assume the burden of the state’s failures," says State Senator John Sullivan (D – Rushville). "Enough is enough. Illinois must pay its bills."

• Sent a letter to 300 organizations in his district currently owed money by the State of Illinois. Read the letter here <  http://www.senatorjohnsullivan.com/index.php/news/42-blog/95-senator-sullivans-letter-to-pay-the-bills>.

• Launched an online petition at www.SenatorJohnSullivan.com/PayTheBills where organizations impacted by the unpaid bills can share their stories.

• Published an op-ed column <http://www.mcdonoughvoice.com/highlight/x1161118757/Unpaid-bills-impact-Illinois-lives> in the McDonough County Voice outlining the bonding proposal.

Currently under discussion in the General Assembly is a proposal which would allow the State to borrow through bonds and use the revenue to pay the past-due bills. Rather than taking on additional debt, the plan would restructure the debt the State already has and allow organizations to finally receive the money owed. This plan would put the State back on a 30-day pay cycle. The borrowing will be repaid with dedicated revenues generated by the recently passed tax increase.

Senator Sullivan’s petition has already revealed the harsh budget realities faced by many local schools, universities, social service agencies, and health care providers because of these unpaid bills. Read some of these stories here <http://senators.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/sullivan/index.php/news/pay-the-bills/96-stories-from-sen-sullivans-pay-the-bills-petition>.

Watch Senator Sullivan discuss these issues with KHQA’s Melissa Shriver here <http://www.connecttristates.com/news/story.aspx?id=595370>.