SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois government faces a huge budget crisis. The deficit is growing, bills are piling up, state services are being cut and officials have no easy ways of cleaning it up.

Here’s a look at the issue and what it means for taxpayers:

Q: What’s the problem?

A: Illinois will owe far more at the end of the fiscal year than it can afford to pay. Already, the state is closing parks and historic sites to save money. Other cutbacks are almost certain. Officials could also consider raising taxes and fees or simply not paying the state’s bills.

Q: How big is the deficit?

A: Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s office puts it at roughly $2 billion. The Legislature’s economic forecasting commission thinks the gap is more like $2.3 billion. Few people would be surprised to see it climb higher. And these deficit numbers come after about $1.4 billion in cuts.

Q: Why is it so bad?

A: Partly because lawmakers passed a budget that called for spending far more money than the state would take in. The budget they approved had a roughly $2 billion deficit from the beginning. Since then, the economy has slumped, making the hole even bigger.

Q: Why did they pass a budget with a built-in deficit?

A: Because the governor and legislators couldn’t agree on anything else. They decided to pass a budget that spent too much and let Blagojevich figure out how to handle the problem.

Q: What’s going to happen next?

A: That’s the big mystery. Ultimately, more budget cuts seem likely even if Blagojevich isn’t given authority to make them on his own.Q: Will next year’s budget need help?

A: Yes. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, looked at next year’s budget picture and came to this conclusion: “Keep your seatbelts buckled – it’s going to stay bumpy.”