Expanded coverage on Blagojevich impeachment

Now that the flurry of activity around the impeachment and conviction of former Governor Rod Blagojevich is dying down, it's time for lawmakers to move on with the business of the state.

And there's a lot of work to be done - primarily a budget shortfall (at least two billion dollars). Bottom line: Illinois will owe much more money at the end of the fiscal year this summer than the state can afford to pay.

A federal economic stimulus check could be on the way, but that's not a guarantee.

I've talked to legislators who say that the impeachment trial put the state behind the curve in tackling the problems. Typically, the governor would have to present a budget to the legislature in mid-february. This year, Governor Quinn will get an extra month to get up to speed.

From there, lawmakers will have to hammer out a way to pay the bills. I know many in Illinois will be watching...

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