Harper: We’ve Been Working With Your Demands Governor, Now Work With Us To Pass A Fair Budget Now

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, released the following statement to urge Gov. Rauner to negotiate on a budget:

“It is disheartening that the governor continues to hold the state budget hostage by refusing to negotiate with the General Assembly. Our most vulnerable citizens are losing access to vital services and programs due to this impasse, and we desperately need a budget right now.”

“To show the governor that we are willing to work with him, House Democrats passed several measures that he demanded we pass before he would discuss a fair and balanced budget. Even with these measures of good faith, the governor still refuses to come to the table and work on a budget with us.”

“We passed a property tax cut, which would provide true property tax relief to homeowners, but the governor still will not work with us on a budget. We passed legislation to reform Illinois’ workers’ compensation system and ensure that the cost savings benefit local employers, but still he will not work with us on a budget.

“Making Illinois more competitive and working together on property tax relief were the demands that the governor said had to be met before he would negotiate a budget with us. We have met him more than half-way on these issues and now it is time for him to do his job. Come back to the table, negotiate in good faith, actually listen and talk with us so that our seniors, children, families and communities plagued by all sorts of challenges that have worsened since this impasse began can once again receive the help that they so desperately need.”