By DOUG FINKE (doug.finke@sj-r.com)
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Fifteen days into the state’s new budget year, Illinois lawmakers Wednesday night finally cobbled together a new $26 billion spending plan that relies heavily on borrowed money and on Gov. Pat Quinn to spend it wisely.
The deal keeps the doors of state government open and will allow state workers to be paid. Quinn signed the payroll part of the budget into law Wednesday night.
“This budget tonight is the best we can do to get our work done,” Quinn said.
At the same time, the new budget will force state vendors to wait even longer to be paid for their services. Many state employees are still expected to lose their jobs, and human service agencies will still experience cuts, budget negotiators said.
Taxes were not increased, but lawmakers bemoaned the fact that the budget keeps the state in a precarious financial situation.
“We are not acting prudently here,” said Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo. “We are on the brink of a manmade disaster.”
Not everyone saw it as a disaster waiting to happen, though.
No comments:
Post a Comment