By Greg Bishop/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – There’s still no state budget, no reforms Republicans say will grow the state’s economy or change its political culture, and now, no session until a few days before the next class of lawmakers assume office. That’s after the state legislature adjourned Thursday.
The governor called out Speaker Michael Madigan on a Facebook Thursday saying Democrats continue to focus only on a stopgap spending plan without reforms. Rauner says, for him to support such a plan, two things are necessary to send taxpayers and businesses the message that lawmakers are ready to be held accountable: term limits and a permanent property tax freeze.
“These two reforms will let job creators know it is a new day and, long term, we’ll be a better place to invest. They would help our hard-working families and small business owners have a voice in their worst tax burden,” Rauner said.
Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said discussions among leaders will continue this weekend to “break down meetings into various topics, waiting for some feedback from some staff to proceed towards getting a balanced budget.”
Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, didn’t respond to Rauner’s terms but said he’s available to meet throughout the weekend. Madigan also repeated his call to follow a framework of previous stopgap spending plans.
But leading Republican state Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, said those plans were actually more deficit spending. “What we need and what we’re committed to continue to work on is a balanced budget that will contain reforms.”
Lawmakers are expected back Jan. 9, two days before the next class of lawmakers takes office. The new General Assembly assumes office Jan. 11.
