As the governor and legislators continue to negotiate over a budget plan to close the state's estimated $42 billion budget deficit, State Controller John Chiang this week began delaying payments to state programs, vendors and other businesses for 30 days. If a budget accord is not reached, the controller has warned that these delays could be extended or he may be forced to begin issuing IOUs. Under the State Constitution, however, the state has an obligation to meet its payment to public schools and public higher education systems. Therefore, CSU employees will continue to be paid.