Sangamon Sun

Republican lawmakers are urging an immediate vote on a compromise balanced budget plan to put an end to the gridlock in Springfield, according to a Senate Republicans press release.

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), Senate Republican Caucus Whip Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles), Assistant Senate Republican Leader Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon), Deputy House Republican Leader Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) and House Republican Conference Chairperson Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) presented the series of bills they say could end the budget impasse. 

“Time is running out before the fiscal year ends, and we must act now,” Durkin said, according to the release. “Where is the sense of urgency with Speaker (Mike) Madigan to end this stalemate? Lawmakers should be in Springfield working around the clock until our job is finished. The comprehensive budget package with structural reforms that we are proposing today is the path forward to breaking the budget impasse.”

According to the press release, the plan offers a balanced budget, including a four-year spending cap, durable property tax relief, and system changes to enhance the economy with new jobs. Also in the bill is a $250 million boost for school funding that would fulfill vows to help revive child care eligibility to 185 percent of the federal poverty level and provide a pay boost to direct support professionals. Term limits for lawmakers and officials are also included. 

“These proposals continue the important work already done in the Senate, where we’d seen significant progress on these issues,”McConnaughay said. “I am confident there is still an opportunity for bipartisan compromise on a balanced budget, as well as the critical reforms that will bring a much-needed economic boost to our state. We need to act expediently to get Illinois back on a path to fiscal stability and security.”