Welch to Governor: Drop Demands, Negotiate on Budget

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, released the following statement urging Gov. Rauner to compromise with the General Assembly to negotiate a budget that protects vital programs for working and middle-class families:

“I am frustrated that the governor still refuses to work with the General Assembly on a budget. Every time legislators get close to an agreement, he seems to find a reason the compromise doesn’t meet his demands. His lack of willingness to compromise is preventing people, such as children, senior, people with disabilities and women with breast cancer, to receive vital help that they need. These individuals need a budget passed, which is why House Democrats have supported measures that meet the governor in the middle, but he still will not work with us on a budget.

“I agree with the governor that property taxes are too high, which is why I supported a package that would not just freeze property taxes, but lower property taxes. I also agree that Illinois needs to be more business friendly, which is why I have supported reducing the corporate income tax rate by 50 percent. This would enable businesses to keep more of their money, invest elsewhere and create more good paying-jobs for potential employees. We have offered these proposals as a measure of good faith, but the governor still will not work with us on a budget.

“Enough is enough. House Democrats have tried to negotiate time and time again with the governor. Please, Gov. Rauner, do your job and help us pass a budget for the people of Illinois.”