Link: http://wsws.org/articles/2010/mar2010/illi-m10.shtml

A number of reports and studies have emerged over the past several weeks that highlight the deepening economic and social crisis currently gripping the state of Illinois. The state with the fifth largest economy in the US currently faces an unprecedented $12.8 billion budget deficit. Governor Pat Quinn and leading state lawmakers from both parties have repeatedly pledged to impose significant cuts to education and vital social services in order to close this gap.