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Illinois Budget Crisis Worst In Nation, Auditor Finds

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Illinois budget deficit skyrocketed to almost $44 billion, by far the worst in the nation, the state's auditor said in report released this week.

The latest audit looked at the 2011 fiscal year, which ended last June. The deficit has more than doubled to $43.8 billion in four years. It stood at just over $20.8 billion in 2007, according to a report filed by auditor William Holland.

Looking at just the fund for general expenses, the state was $8.1 billion in the red in the red in 2011. Illinois ended the year with more the $4 billion in unpaid bills.

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According to the report, five states have a budget deficit, and Illinois' is by far the biggest:

1) Illinois $43.8 billion
2) New Jersey $33.4 billion
3) Massachusetts $22.8 billion
4) Connecticut $14 billion
5) California $10.5 billion

Gov. Pat Quinn's office blamed the deficit on problems beyond his control.

"These unpaid bills are the result of decades of fiscal mismanagement as well as the economic downturn and diminished revenues," the official response said.

Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka attributed much of the growth to excess spending, rather than a dramatic fall-off in revenues.

"It provides yet another cautionary note that we need to rein in spending and address the growing costs that are devouring the state budget," Topinka said in a statement.

The total deficit figure includes all state investments, bonds, special funds and pensions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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