Hoffman Issues Response To Governor’s State Of The State, Calls For Renewed Negotiations For A Balanced Budget

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to Governor Bruce Rauner’s State of the State address on Wednesday, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, released the following statement:

“Each day that goes by without a full budget, our state continues to fall further and further behind in paying its bills, while countless residents are left to bear the consequences of this manufactured crisis. It’s past time that we come together and pass a responsible, balanced budget.

“I agree with Governor Rauner that we need to improve the state’s business climate. However, the Governor’s approach has focused exclusively on lowering costs for businesses by cutting wages and reducing benefits for injured workers.

“This is where I disagree, as I believe our economy is driven by the middle-class. We should embrace reforms that will strengthen working families, and in-turn drive economic growth, improve the business climate, and create jobs.

“Illinois residents can not afford another two years of gridlock and inaction on the budget. I will continue to prioritize passing a budget that is not balanced on the backs of working families and I am hopeful that the governor lives up to his word and comes back to the negotiating table.”