SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Randy Frese (R-Paloma) watched the majority party undergo another faulty process in which spending bills were filed that wildly exceed revenues. The Comptroller’s Office has already reported a state backlog totaling $7.2 billion, and legislation that adds to the State’s debt only adds to the risk forced upon those that rely on the State.
Rep. Frese stated, “The broken appropriations bill presented today only shows Speaker Madigan’s unwillingness to negotiate reforms, and places vital budgetary items in harm’s way of his charade. The measure today is unfunded by over $2.4 billion and is another lie to taxpayers, universities, and the people of Illinois. I have repeatedly requested that our Democratic majority colleagues come to the table for negotiating a properly balanced budget that keeps Illinois’ present and future in mind. Without the funds to pay for the items they propose, the majority party blindly marches forward with their unwillingness to reform, and places the state in further jeopardy.”
Rep. Frese went on to note that at the conclusion of session Republicans made a motion to bring the legislature back the following day, as Democrats who create the session’s schedule made a four-week gap in the month of March for what many assume to be political reasons. “Speaker Madigan forced a $3 billion over-spending bill to the Governor without a funding source, and this tacked on to our other budget issues makes this long break during the heart of session completely immoral.”
Considering their work done with their appropriations unfunded, the majority party has set the House to not return until April 4th.