SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- Illinois legislators ended their spring session by digging a $4 billion hole in a state budget already running a huge deficit.
But Democratic leaders say there's a chance they'll come back later to fill that hole, which is caused by the state's annual contribution to government pension systems.
They want to borrow money to make the pension payment, but can't find the votes to pass it in the Senate.
The House and Senate both adjourned Thursday after passing a budget that will leave about $6 billion in unpaid bills at the end of the year.
Unless lawmakers take action, the pension payment of nearly $4 billion will come from the same pool of money as other government services.
Gov. Pat Quinn's office says the state doesn't have enough money for that.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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