Stopgap Budget Approved for Illinois

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Published on June 30 2016 4:35 pm
Last Updated on June 30 2016 5:41 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The Illinois House and Senate have passed a stopgap budget for the state and the measure is on its way to Governor Bruce Rauner, who is expected to sign the measure into law.

The House voted 105-4 and the Senate 54-0 to approve the measure.

The budget includes $500 million more to schools and fund critical state services into January.

House Speaker Michael Madigan said the key to the deal was the absence of Governor Rauner's turnaround agenda.

The governor said he saw enough flexibility that he was willing to forego things like pension reform until after the November election when he hopes a "grand compromise" can be reached to address things on a permanent basis. Rauner said today's measure fully funds schools for the full year, the first time in seven years that schools will be fully funded.

Locally, Community Support Systems Executive Director Andy Kistler said the measure fully funds the work by CSS at rest areas along I-70 and I-57 in Effingham County. Kistler had spoken with local media last Friday that those who maintain the rest areas through CSS would be out of a job as would their supervisors as of tomorrow had the agreement not be reached.

Kistler noted that not all projects operated by CSS are funded under the agreement. Some projects have been shut down earlier due to budget constraints, but said the one involving the rest area maintenance crews was just not acceptable. Now, that has been addressed.

For his part, Altamont School Superintendent Jeff Fritchtnitch said of the budget measure, "It's a relief". Fritchtnitch confirmed that the measure does provide full funding for schools for the first time in seven years and that schools are funded at that level for the full fiscal year, not just till January. He said, "It's a great relief for our students and their families, as a lack of a budget was going to harm a lot of people." He noted the Altamont district has spent $1-1/2 million in reserves in recent years to maintain their level of services, but now the district has a good starting point to restore the district's financial footing.

Fritchtnitch had said earlier this year he wasn't sure the Altamont school year would start on time without a budget in place. He also commended local legislators for their work on the issue and for staying in constant contact throughout the process.

Not everyone is happy with the outcome.

Illinois Manufacturers Association CEO and President Greg Baise said, "the stopgap should not be considered a victory for Illinois taxpayers and businesses. Today's action is a band-aid that will temporarily relieve budgetary pressure, but does not solve the core problems plaguing Illinois. 

In his remarks in the aftermath of the agreement, the governor thanked the Republican leadership and General Assembly for their work, and thanked Democrat Senate President John Cullerton and even Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel for their flexibility. He pointedly did not mention House Speaker Madigan.