Illinois Ends Year with $7.6 Billion in Past Due Bills

But don't touch the pensions!

Illinois is saying goodbye to 2013 with $7.6 billion in overdue bills, around 16 percent less than the $9 billion it owed at the end of 2012.

Brad Hahn, a spokesman for the state comptroller's office, said it's not clear how the pension reform package passed this month will affect the backlog of bills, especially after retired teachers and educators have filed suit against the bill, saying it's unconstitutional. The bill would save $160 million over the next three decades by cutting benefits.