PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Rhode Island's government has fallen weeks behind on paying its bills, leaving hundreds of businesses and contractors in a financial lurch.
Officials in Gov. Don Carcieri's administration say the state is at least five weeks late on many bills. It will need at least two months to catch up.
The state is facing a $151 million budget deficit for year ending in June, but Carcieri's office says there's still enough money. The problem is, his administration has reduced the number of clerks in an effort to cut costs.
Last year, 185 state employees were processing invoices. Right now, only 14 people handle those responsibilities. Carcieri's office says it hopes to add three more clerks soon.
Department of Administration Executive Director Ronald Renaud says clerks are working Saturdays to reduce the backlog.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/
