By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – Among those cheering how the 2019 legislative session turned out is Illinois’ check-writer in chief.
“It’s wonderful to know that I have a budget,” comptroller Susana Mendoza tells WJBC News, “that I have the legal authority to make sure that people who have given services to the state of Illinois are going to be paid for their services. We haven’t had that level of stability, certainty, or predictability in years.”
Now that the dust has settled from the session, Mendoza hopes people pay attention the healthcare.
“Ten years ago, when managed care organizations were approved in Illinois as a pilot, we were talking about a $250 million program,” she said. “Today, just ten years later, it’s $14 billion in taxpayer funds that go out the door to these managed care organizations. Those MCO’s, once they get the money, can sit on it for who knows how long.”
Dave Dahl can be reached at News@wjbc.com.
