Illinois pays past-due utility bills for state buildings

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield utility company that provides electricity to the Illinois capitol and other government buildings says the state is finally current on its past-due bills.

Springfield City, Water, Light and Power spokeswoman Amber Sabin says the state has paid nearly $19 million in late and current bills. The Springfield Journal-Register reported most of the money was paid in August.

Illinois has operated without a budget for more than a year and the state has fallen behind on bill payments to vendors that provide services.

Springfield's city-owned utility warned state agencies in July that services would be shut off if they didn't pay their bills by Sept. 21.

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