Illinois' debt and unpaid bills are already causing economic troubles within the state.

Illinois' junior US Senator says he wants to make sure Illinois doesn't cause trouble for the rest of the nation as well. Kirk on Thursday pressed federal reserve chairman Ben Bernanke for answers about the potential threat of Illinois' debt.

[audio:071511Kirk1.mp3]A Word From Kirk[/audio]

Bernanke said, on Capitol Hill, that Illinois and California are not as troubled a Greece…yet.

[audio:071511Bernanke2.mp3]A Word From Bernanke[/audio]

Kirk said Illinois needs to cut spending and stop borrowing. He said Illinois' economy is suffering because of Illinois' debts, the rest of the nation should not suffer as well.