July 15, 2009

SPRINGFIELD – The General Assembly approved a budget late Wednesday that State Sen. Dan Cronin (R-Elmhurst) said will allow Illinois to avoid a shutdown of state government, while also cutting state spending and avoiding an income tax increase.

“This approach is far from ideal; however, I believe it offers the best chance for real spending reductions and reform. This legislation anticipates over $1 billion in spending cuts, and requires that lawmakers address important issues, such as redistricting, ethics and campaign reforms, and money-saving changes to our pension and Medicaid system. This approach allows us to keep state government operating without further burdening Illinois’ taxpayers,” said Cronin.

The Senator explained that Gov. Pat Quinn will be forced to cut the 12-month budget, and can make the cuts at his discretion. Additionally, the budget package will allow time for federal and state economic stimulus packages to begin to work, including the recently-approved state capital construction plan. Cronin said that the capital plan will employ hundreds of thousands of people and stimulate business and revenue throughout Illinois.