CHICAGO - State Comptroller Judy Baar-Topinka must be so tired of manuevering through the pile of unpaid bills on her desk from those pesky health care providers that have the nerve to invoice over and over again - and wait and wait and wait to be paid for providing government health care to needy Illinoisans. She's clearly so fed up with Illinois' outrageously dire budget situation that she's turned to helping taxpayers get their personal financial houses in order. She's starting a new financial budgeting service, her website says ..
Given today’s economy, more residents are facing financial hardship than at any time in our state’s history. In fact, more than 82,000 Illinoisans filed for bankruptcy in 2010, and many more are struggling to make ends meet. Often times weekly paychecks no longer cover expenses, and credit card bills are piling higher and higher. And in other cases, residents are just one medical emergency or job loss away from finding themselves with debts they are unable to repay.
Hmm... just like Illinois? But what does the state do? Borrow more money, and then demand taxpayers pay more to cover their ceaseless demands for more and more. Her announcement continues ..
Faced with those realities, Comptroller Topinka launched Take Charge Illinois to assist Illinois residents in regaining their financial footing. Through the program, Illinois communities and organizations may schedule financial workshops hosted by the Comptroller’s Office to address everything from the tracking of daily expenses and budgeting, to taking advantage of foreclosure crisis and credit card assistance. Programs include certified counseling for rehabilitating credit scores, late or missed mortgage payments and other fiscal issues.
If you are interested in scheduling a program, please contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 217-782-2673 to set up an appointment. Our staff will work closely with you to schedule a date and deliver counseling of importance to your audience.
Together, we can help residents throughout the state to regain their financial footing.
Somehow, we're recalling a video of Comptroller Topinka showing folks around her Riverside home, wherein she points out things she bought at garage sales. Can't find it on YouTube, but it's got to be out there somewhere. Maybe she'll show it at the first counseling session?
