State lawmakers were confronted Tuesday by nearly 200 vendors who traveled to Springfield looking for money the state owes them.
State lawmakers were confronted Tuesday by nearly 200 vendors who traveled to Springfield looking for money the state owes them.
Illinois Comptroller Daniel Hynes organized a Vendor Lobby Day so vendors could address their concerns to lawmakers.
“The purpose of bringing vendors to Springfield is to put a human face on the problem,” Hynes told the Defender. “There are immediate steps we are taking to get caught up on vendor payments, such as borrowing.”
The state faces a $9 billion deficit and is behind in paying its bills, including to social service and other agencies that depend on the state’s reimbursement to stay operational.
Roshonda Hooks, founder of Tots Express Learning Center in Chicago, attended the Lobby Day.
“I came here to make sure lawmakers understand that we run a viable business. My monthly expenses run me $30,000, and I have went without getting a paycheck to make sure my 16 employees get paid,” she said. “I have made many sacrifices to stay open including using my own money. But realistically I cannot keep using my personal money to pay salaries. Sooner or later something will have to give, even if that means shutting down.”
Hynes did not have a dollar figure for the state’s arrearage to vendors, but the Defender learned that the state is, in some cases, as many as six months behind on vendor payments. Some vendors are owed tens-of-thousands-of-dollars.
“We are facing the worst economic crisis in our life so there’s no easy way out,” Hynes said at a recent town hall meeting with vendors.
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