"Our problem isn't really a financial deficit, it's a leadership deficit, and that's what must change," Hynes said during a keynote address on fiscal policy at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The event was sponsored by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIUC, the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and the Donors Forum.

"If we're committed, principled, and we respect each other-- and the process of governing-- we will provide that leadership. And then we can stop talking about doom and start focusing on possibility. We can stop feeling beaten and start feeling empowered. We can write a new story, where we put the people of Illinois first, which is the way it should be."

Hynes identified three elements of leadership that need to be put to use to responsibly address the state's budget problems. "The first is commitment. It's shocking to think that we're almost three-fourths of the way through the legislative session – because there's been very little 'getting down to business.' To be committed, you first have to show up, and that starts at the top. A few years ago, the Governor complained that the General Assembly was spending like a bunch of drunken sailors. But I think the real problem is a captain hiding in his quarters.

"The economy is slowing. Our revenues are disappearing. The deficit is worsening. Our infrastructure is crumbling. Our backlogs are growing. And our hospitals are closing. And, all the while, our Governor – he's hiding. People say they want to recall the Governor. I say you'd need to find him first." Hynes identified a second element of leadership as being principled.

"You can't credibly say that you're for something, and then contradict it at every turn. You can't say, for example, that you're for health care – and then hold up hospital payments. You can't say that you're for education, or agriculture, or children, and then arbitrarily cut off funding for the U of I Extension offices. Being principled means being consistent, being honest, and it means being fair." A third component of leadership, Hynes said, is respecting the process.

"Process is a euphemism for how we work with each other, and how we work with each other reveals character. How we work with each other demonstrates integrity. Most importantly, how we work with each other determines if we plan for the future -- or whether we simply slap together what's expedient. And in that case, all's not well – because it doesn't end well.

Hynes concluded his remarks by calling the state budget, and the means by which it is created, a "moral test." "It measures whether we're doing the right things in a responsible way. Government can't solve every problem, but it can help people live better lives, as long as our public servants serve the public, and not themselves."