By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – With a state budget seemingly nowhere close to being passed, why aren’t lawmakers in Springfield more often trying to find a solution?

State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) said there really isn’t a reason to have legislators in Springfield if they aren’t anywhere close to an agreement.

“The challenge goes on of, when are we going to get a budget?” said Brady. “There is some movement and there is discussion. For that, I’m encouraged, but there’s got to be a lot more of it and it’s got to be soon.”

Brady added lawmakers are only getting their per diem pay for days they are in session, which currently is only a couple times a month. He told WJBC’s Terry James the time legislators should stop being paid is the same time state workers stop getting paychecks.

“We aren’t there yet. I hope we don’t get there,” he said.

So, what if Illinois’ budget impasse lasts into February?

“You will see more closures of services provided to the state by groups. I think you will also see more of our state universities that will have severe problems of trying to be able to keep their doors open.”

Podcast: Listen to Brady’s full conversation on WJBC.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].