Some area lawmakers are expressing optimism that the budget stalemate in Springfield will soon be over. ‘’The people of Illinois have made it clear that they want the budget stalemate to end,’’ said Senator Scott Bennett of Champaign after listening to Governor Bruce Rauner’s State of the State Address. ‘’I am hopeful that the General Assembly can send the governor a comprehensive package that will break the prolonged paralysis and help move Illinois forward,’’ added Bennett.
State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington says it was good to hear the governor highlight some of the accomplishments of the last two years, while noting the challenges that still lie ahead. ‘’I believe recent bipartisan negotiations on a budget framework offer us an opportunity for optimism that we could be getting close,’’ said Barickman. Senator Barickman added that his focus ‘’remains on helping our leadership team move negotiations forward, while continuing to work with my colleagues on the School Funding Reform Commission to ensure that the budget includes legislation to enact a system to better fund our schools and help all Illinois students.’’
