 Similar to last year, House lawmakers approved of a budget plan that
authorizes spending sums based on the revenue the state anticipates
receiving in the next fiscal year, which begins June 1.But with
the state economy still mired in a recession, lawmakers failed to
address the state's structural crisis -- state expenses outpacing
money coming in -- as well as more than $6 billion in unpaid bills
collected this year from state vendors.
House lawmakers gave Quinn broad discretion to slash state agency
and program spending to help cope with the budget gap.
In addition, lawmakers provided Quinn with some money-managing
tools -- borrowing between state funds as well as forwarding more
than $1 billion in funds from a multiyear settlement with the
tobacco industry.
Lawmakers also passed a $3.7 billion borrowing plan to help make
the pension contribution for this year.
House Democrats began the week by proposing a series of spending
reductions to some of the state's largest programs, including public
schools, state universities and Medicaid.
But many of the proposed $1.2 billion cuts fell short of the
votes needed to come before the full House chamber.
Lawmakers have also not shown support for a tax increase, a
proposal backed by Quinn.
Instead, the House passed the same budget package approved by the
Illinois Senate earlier this month.
State Rep. Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville, said the state could not
afford to continue having an imbalance in the budget.
"Basically, we're balancing the budget on revenue that is not
necessarily anything but borrowing," he said.
[to top of second column] |
State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, said the budget
proposals were as responsible as the state could afford, considering
the state's dire fiscal situation.
"Our job is to have a balanced budget, and we think we are
meeting that test," Currie said.
House Democrats were eager to finalize a budget proposal before
the end of the month and avoid a protracted legislative session.
Up until May 31, lawmakers would only need simple majorities to
pass most legislative proposals. After May 31, the passage threshold
rises to a three-fifths, extraordinary majority, which could create
a more contentious legislative session with House Republicans.
How the budget plays out during the upcoming months could affect
a number of political futures; all House lawmakers and some Senate
lawmakers are up for re-election during November's general election.
[Illinois
Statehouse News; By KEVIN LEE]
 |
