Springfield, Ill – Millions of dollars in school aid, worker’s compensation and social services will be sent out across the state immediately according to a press release from the office of State Comptroller Daniel Hynes, now that a budget is in place.
Student aid that helps to pay for school have been delayed because of the budget impasse the press release said.
“My staff will be working round-the-clock to ensure these payments reach their intended recipients as quickly as possible,” said Hynes.
The state has been operating without spending authority since July 31; the new fiscal year began July 1.
More than $340 millions in school aid payments were issued Thursday, Aug. 23, as will worker’s compensation payments of nearly $1.7 million. Additional shifts at the Comptroller’s office were added over the weekend as needed to address any backlogs and to make sure that checks are issued promptly Hynes said.
“Some of these recipients have been waiting nearly an entire month to receive their checks, funding they depend on for every day needs,” said Hynes.
According to Hynes the Illinois Constitution and state law prohibit state checks from be issued without a budget or other expenditure, such as a court order. Causing almost 1,000 school districts across the state not to receive two payments that totaled more than $340 million.
State lawmakers pushed through a budget and forwarded it to Blagojevich on Aug. 13, but the Governor stalled any action on the spending plan until ten days later. As a result this held millions of dollars in payments that typically would be issued in August.
The press release went on to say that other delayed payments included $2.5 million in Law Enforcement training grants, addiction grants of $268,000, maternal and child health grant of $42,000 and highway and bridge constructions and repairs funds of $4.7 million.