CHICAGO – Cash-strapped Illinois has paid state workers about $23 million for administrative leave over the past five years, according to a report published Sunday.

The Chicago Tribune found that since 2007, more than 2,000 state employees who've stayed at home have continued to receive paychecks and collect benefits. That's even as the state has struggled to pay its own bills.

The newspaper analyzed state data. It also used confidential documents and interviews to conclude that staff shortages, communication problems and long investigations can delay the process.