Can a bigger than usual headline - even one stating the obvious - attract the attention of our state lawmakers and other officials?

Certainly, the severe cutbacks and even closing of some social service agencies and programs should have attracted somebody's attention. And the veto, impending layoffs, possible early release of prisoners and other actions being taken by Gov. Pat Quinn should attract attention.

But Illinois' financial problems don't just need attention; they need action.

And they need action sooner than Tuesday, the scheduled return date for lawmakers.

They should be in the capital now, working through the weekend, to find the middle ground that will get the state back on track. And they shouldn't receive extra pay or expense money for this overtime work.

Elected officials seem to want to be part of the solution - they just don't want to take the blame for hard choices.

Let's make this clear: There will be pain. There is no way to solve a budget problem this out of whack without pain. Doing nothing will inflict even greater pain

But there are ways to minimize that pain by targeting funding for programs and activities that may be important, but aren't crucial.

Start by looking at the most recently created or expanded programs, especially those created or expanded under the Blagojevich administration without legislative approval.

Go back to the oldest programs - the ones that continue to be funded just because they always have been. And quit adding new programs.

Eliminate the "legislative initiative" programs - many, if not most, of which are wasteful pork. Let those that are legitimate needs compete for funding under existing programs.

For eventual long-range stability, make fundamental changes in the Medicaid program and the state's pension programs.

The state needs to make changes large and small - some temporary, some longer term:

Review eligibility requirements in all programs, making them more restrictive.

Quit frequent mowing along the sides and medians of highways.

Stop subsidizing two state fairs.

Institute admission fees at state parks.

This is just short list.

Taxpayers need to recognize that an income tax increase will need to be part of the solution.

State workers need to recognize that layoffs, unpaid furloughs and benefit changes - actions being taken in the private sector and other states - will need to be part of the solution.

Illinoisans have to recognize that some of their favorite programs might not survive.

But continued uncertainty is making a bad situation worse. Fix the problem - now.