Illinois governor wants a bailout

CHICAGO, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he's seeking a federal bailout and new powers to deal with the state's growing budget deficit.

Blagojevich issued a press release saying quick action is needed to deal with Illinois' money problems, Crain's Chicago Business reported Wednesday.

Comptroller Dan Hynes warned last week Illinois is facing nearly $4 billion in unpaid bills and that figure could hit $5 billion within a few months.

In addition to a 3 percent across the board cut in non-core services, Blagojevich says he needs the authority to trim as much as 8 percent of money already appropriated by the state legislature.

The governor has written to the Illinois Congressional delegation asking members to get him an addition $1 billion a year from the federal government. The money would be used for healthcare, infrastructure and Medicaid.