Springfield, Illinois -
In response to the General Assembly's passage of a state budget,
Senator Martin Sandoval (D-12) said that "the vote proves that even
Republicans don't think we can cut our way out of the state's budget
mess. They voted to borrow billions of dollars rather than raise
revenues."
One
month ago, Democrats in House and Senate approved a plan that would
have slashed state programs and social services to balance the state
budget. Republicans didn't go along with that idea. Instead, they
decided we would be better off with the plan we passed a few days ago:
borrowing an additional $3.5 billion - effectively digging ourselves a
deeper hole - to protect those programs and services.
Senate
Democrats believe the honest approach would have been to raise
revenues. Republicans apparently believe we should spend the money, but
would rather borrow top do it.
To that effect Senate President John J. Cullerton and Senator Sandoval issued the following joint statement:
"We avoided a shutdown of state government and secured the paychecks of thousands of working people in Illinois. This is not the budget plan that we hoped for. It's not the plan that Senate Democrats voted for in May. However, it is a plan that can bring some temporary stability and certainty.
Families
and communities are hurting today. And they have been given no
assurances that there is an end to economic pain they feel through the
loss of paychecks or state funding. We voted to stop the bleeding. But
while we may stop the bleeding, we are still a long way from fiscal
health.
Lawmakers
in both political parties - in the House and the Senate - know that our
budget problems are based on two underlying factors. First, our
national economy is struggling and state revenues are down
significantly. Almost every other state in the nation is facing
similar budget difficulties. Second, Illinois' structural deficit
necessitates a budget solution that will ensure long-term financial
stability.
In May, Senate Democrats passed a roadmap for a long-term solution to our state's structural budget deficit.
HB 174 provides true revenue reform, tax relief and required over $1
billion in cuts. Our plan, which is still halfway to becoming law, gave
Illinois families over $500 million in property tax relief. Our plan kept taxes on business low and expanded tax exemptions for working, middle-class Illinois families. The plan will keep us from borrowing and allow us to pay our bills on time.
On January 12th the Illinois Senate will reconvene with the primary purpose of enacting a tax reform measure
that keeps pace with the way our state economy functions. Between now
and then, legislators should build the courage needed to generate new
revenue." said President Cullerton.
"But it's July and we need a solution. A temporary budget fix will not discount the need for a permanent budget solution. We will be back to finish the job,"said Senator Sandoval.
