By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) said the budget impasse has carried on for so long, it’s possible Illinois might never get a spending plan for the budget year that started nearly six months ago.
“If what some people are saying is accurate, nothing will happen until after the March primaries, then what’s the point?,” Brady asked. “We are looking at a budget for next year anyway at that point.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Sen. Brady on WJBC.
PODCAST: Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman on WJBC.
John Tillman, CEO of the conservative think-tank Illinois Policy Institute, told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin he expects the Democratic leadership will insist on a budget before the spring elections.
“I think (House) Speaker (Mike) Madigan is going to be very focused on those elections and he’s going to want to send his (party candidates) to go campaign because he feels very vulnerable,” Tillman said.
The state has been funding some services in a piecemeal approach, including local governments, Illinois Lottery winnings and energy assistance grants. The Illinois Senate is expected to pass the measure on Monday and send it to Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Brady added the stalemate is choking off oxygen to other programs that need to be addressed.
“We’ve got pension problems,” Brady said. “We need a capitol bill we need roads, we nee ins and the budget is putting all of this on the backburner.”
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
