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"Time is running out. The
fiscal year ends one week from today," Blagojevich said. "We have
talked. We have disagreed. We have compromised. It is time to pass a
budget. It's time to bring the legislature back to Springfield and
finish the business of the people. It's time the entire legislature
pass a balanced budget that meets our commitments without raising
the people's taxes. The budget we pass impacts every county in this
state, every district, every school and every family. And every
citizen of Illinois deserves to be represented in this process, both
by me and by their elected representatives in the legislature.
That's why it's time for all of us to come together and take the
final steps necessary to pass this budget."
The budget the governor
supports, and the budget that the Illinois Senate passed on May 31,
closes the state deficit, while strengthening the state's
commitments to education and health care. It includes resources to
enroll an additional 8,000 at-risk children in preschool and funding
to allow 150,000 men, women and children to continue receiving the
Medicaid health care coverage they need.
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this article]
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To fund these priorities, the
governor supports a budget that makes "across the board" cuts in all
areas except KidCare, FamilyCare, Medicaid enrollment and K-12
education; reduces the size of state government to its lowest head
count in 30 years; closes older, less efficient state facilities;
consolidates hundreds of millions of dollars in surpluses from
dedicated state funds; and closes unfair corporate tax loopholes.
"I've met with the four leaders consistently. We've made a lot of
progress," the governor said. Everyone has shown willingness to
compromise. I don't think we are far from the finish line. If
everyone is working in good faith, there is no reason our work can't
be completed before the fiscal year ends. But, I will not let a
budget deadline be an excuse for doing what I believe in my heart is
wrong. Compromise? Yes. Seek common ground? Of course. But, I will
take these actions understanding that there are seniors in Illinois
who can't afford prescription drugs without help. There are parents
who trust us to care for and educate their kids. There are children
who desperately need health care. We have cut a lot. This is a tough
and lean budget. But, I will not cut the heart out of our state. I
don't want to do that. And when the men and women of the General
Assembly return tomorrow, I can't imagine they would either."
[News release from the
governor's office] |
