Barickman continues push for budget compromise

Posted on May 24, 2016

Governor Bruce Rauner — Lawmakers have seven days to approve a budget. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

SPRINGFIELD – The clock is ticking for legislators to pass a state budget with a simple majority.

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) is among the lawmakers continuing the call for a compromise between Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan.

“It’s been since May of 2014 that Illinois has passed a budget,” said Barickman. “That’s a stunning realization that I think is heard throughout our state; the fact that we’ve been paralyzed here through this political stalemate.”

Barickman added he has seen progress among legislators.

“But what’s very frustrating and disheartening is that all of that positive work seems to have landed on Speaker Madigan’s door with an absolute thud,” said Barickman. “The speaker ought to choose either to engage his members, and exercise that super majority control that he has and that vote that exists in his chamber.

“Or he ought to do what the constitution allows, which is to work with the Executive Branch.”

The current legislative session ends on May 31.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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