By RFD Radio/WFMB
CHICAGO – Action at the Illinois legislature is picking back up this week and the leader of the Senate said it’s time for the state to move forward.
The original package of bills has been reworked and is still designed to give a little and compromise a little for a state budget.
Senate President John Cullerton said a hike to the minimum wage won’t be part of the grand bargain. But he said enough is enough and state government has to start working again.
“If we can pull this off, we will pay businesses on time, fully fund MAP scholarships, ensure state workers get paid and government doesn’t shut down, assemble a complete budget for the first time in two years and put Illinois on a path to a balanced budget,” Cullerton said.
The Senate will hold hearings on the bills and expects votes by the end of the week.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].