Fiscal year deadline looms in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - For months, people in the state Capitol have said Illinois needs a budget by July 1, the start of the new fiscal year.

But it's unlikely anyone will shut off the lights if there's no budget deal by midnight Tuesday.

State spending authorization really isn't needed until July 9. That's when the state comptroller's office needs payroll information to send out the first checks of the month by July 15.

Public schools don't get any state aid payments in July. Other payments, such as welfare, are required by court decree. Agencies can buy commodities on credit.

But Anders Lindall says the annual budget stalemates are "wearying" for state employees. Lindall is spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.