Illinois budget sessions expected to continue

Even after Tuesday’s session, there is no end in sight for the completion of the Illinois state budget. With Thursday’s deadline soon approaching, state lawmakers are anticipating a resolution.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been calling special sessions that began June 24th to complete the budget for the 2005 fiscal year. The special sessions have kept state representatives in Springfield for almost one week and cost taxpayers more than $100,000.

Advertisement

Since the May 31st deadline was missed, the Democrat-dominated General Assembly requires Republican votes to achieve a 60-percent majority.

“I think it is ridiculous that we come in here and cost the tax payers dollars, if we would just wait for the budgeters to get done, we could get this accomplished,” said Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro.

The budget was originally set to be finished last month. However, with the fiscal deadline soon approaching, House Speaker Mike Madigan called for a “core services budget” Monday. This would keep state agencies from shutting their doors if the fiscal year begins without a complete budget.

According Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, there are no substantial issues regarding the budget, but it could be passed at anytime.

Blagojevich has contended that these special sessions are advancing the budget negotiations by ensuring that lawmakers stay in Springfield and remain involved. He has also suggested that the House Democrats and Madigan are to blame for the extensive sessions because they are not in approving his spending plan.

Madigan does not agree that the special sessions are necessary. He said the legislation could be resolved in a regular overtime session, which would not cost the taxpayers.

Some state representatives believe the budget could have been completed in a more timely fashion.

Advertisement*

“I think that some of the conversations that are going on now could have been done before,” said Rep. Ricca Stone, D-Peoria.