Groups say shortfall is due to poor spending

The so-called Piglet Book is compiled by the Illinois Policy Institute and Citizens Against Government Waste. It says the state has spent $686 million on unnecessary projects.

The groups point to expenses like a $1 million grant to the Chicago Film Office and $40,000 to the Springfield Figure Skating Club as being wasteful.

They say it indicates a disregard for the citizens' tax dollars.

"The politicians want more, the state's financial shortfall is not a revenue problem. The budget shortfall is because Springfield is addicted to spending," said John Tillman, CEO, Illinois Policy Institute.

The authors say they do not dispute the need of all state-funded projects. But they say those projects should not happen without taxpayer consent.