Former Governor Jim Edgar Weighs in on the Fiscal Crisis

Former Governor Jim Edgar Weighs in on the Fiscal Crisis
Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. (AP file/Seth Perlman)
Former Governor Jim Edgar Weighs in on the Fiscal Crisis
Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. (AP file/Seth Perlman)

Former Governor Jim Edgar Weighs in on the Fiscal Crisis

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Illinois faces a record-setting deficit – one that’s expected to topple many state-funded agencies and programs. On the one hand, our troubles are pretty similar to what other states confront in this economy. But on the other – there was a time not that long ago when the Land of Lincoln boasted far better state finances.

Ten years ago, Illinois had a $1.5 billion surplus. Many credit former Republican Governor Jim Edgar for creating those bountiful state coffers. Edgar served as governor of the state of Illinois from 1991-1999. He is the last Illinois governor who did not face criminal charges following his tenure. Currently, he is a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois.

He tells us the secret to his track record of fiscal success in Illinois.