State Fiscal ‘Toolbox’ Available To Better Explain Budget Issues

Illinois, like many states, suffered financially during the recession, but an economist says Illinois was in a weaker position to deal with the challenge.    

David Merriman is with the University of Illinois' Institute of Government and Public Affairs. The Institute has developed what's called the Illinois Budget Policy Toolbox.  

Merriman said it will provide information on the state's finances and analysis of proposals that come up during an election year. He told Illinois Public Radio's Sean Crawford that Illinois has had difficulty coming out of the recession because of fiscal policy decisions made over the years.