The state budget impasse has left Illinois months behind in payment to downstate mass transit agencies. That’s led to cuts in service from Kankakee to Jacksonville. Now lawmakers are looking to remove them from the fight.

We continue our conversation with Illinois treasurer Michael Frerichs.  Today we focus on the budget impasse and other issues facing the state of Illinois.  The Champaign Democrat says that right now both sides need to do more listening.

One state columnist thinks new Illinois comptroller Susana Mendoza could force a resolution to the long state budget stalemate.  Matt Dietrich of Reboot Illinois discusses the idea with Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline.

Democrats prevailed in statewide races, but couldn't hold on to seats in southern Illinois. Meanwhile, suburban Republicans may hold less sway in the party's legislative caucus.  Charlie Wheeler takes a closer look.

Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger says the state's backlog of unpaid bills will be roughly $10 billion by the year's end after factoring in the temporary spending plan lawmakers recently approved.