 Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said
that if lawmakers cannot agree on the construction spending, his
office would "start the wheels turning" to stop work across
Illinois.Quinn's deadline could disappoint Senate President John
Cullerton, D-Chicago, and his fellow Democrats, who wanted to tie
$430 million in extra spending to the reauthorization of the
multibillion-dollar road, bridge and school building program.
Cullerton, who pushed for the extra spending on the last day of the
spring session, left Wednesday's meeting without speaking to
reporters.
However, Quinn spokeswoman Mica Mattsoff said the governor wants
to address the construction plan immediately -- lawmakers can fight
about the extra spending in November's fall veto session.
"The plan is 12 months (of construction funding) with no
conditions," said Mattsoff.
Mattsoff would not say if Quinn supports the Senate Democrats’
budget priorities. Senate Democrats described the $33.2 billion
budget crafted by Democrats and Republicans in the House as being
too meager. They want to spend extra cash on education and human
services.
But adding anything to the budget, which is sitting on Quinn's
desk, will be tough, said House Minority Leader Tom Cross,
R-Kendall.
"We like the $33.2 billion (budget)," said Cross. "It finally,
for the first time in nine years, has a limit on what we spend."
[to top of second column] |
Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, has said she
wants to spend even less than the House budget, and Democrats should
not expect any support to spend more than $33 billion.
"It is not reasonable to suspend (the construction program) for a
half a billion dollars of unrelated spending," said Radogno.
Radogno and Cross on Wednesday said they support a vote on the
construction program next week, but they had to speak with
rank-and-file lawmakers first for their position.
Lawmakers do not anticipate the special session to last more than
a day or two. Each day of the special session will cost taxpayers
nearly $50,000 if all lawmakers attend.
[Illinois
Statehouse News; By BENJAMIN YOUNT]
 |
