DeKALB – Bond repayment debt in Illinois has risen from $12 billion to $44 billion in the past decade, the unfunded pension and retiree health care liabilities total $140 billion and the state’s total debt has Illinois families on the hook for $40,000 each.

But Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford is not ready to throw in the towel.

“I am the most optimistic guy you’ll meet ... I love this state,” Rutherford said. “But this is where we have to dispense the tough love. There is a lot left we have to do to make [the state] better.”