Turner Approves Balanced Budget, Protects Vital Services

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Arthur Turner, D-Chicago, released the following statement after the final passage of a full-year, balanced budget for the state of Illinois:

“Since Governor Rauner took office, he has refused to enact a full-year, balanced budget. As a result we have seen social service agencies, violence prevention, and after-school programs close. He has refused to give any assistance to Chicago Public Schools, the largest school district in the state. He also cut funding for our colleges and universities by 60 percent. Through his inaction our credit rating was driven down to near junk status.

“To protect the families and businesses of the state, the General Assembly worked together to pass a bi-partisan, balanced budget for this fiscal year. This budget provides funding for our local schools, colleges and universities. It provides funding for vital social services, including domestic violence shelters, home care for seniors, services for people with disabilities, breast cancer screenings for women and early childhood education.

“I am disappointed that Governor Rauner refused to negotiate with legislators in the House of Representatives to try to find a way to end this impasse. We tried to compromise on school funding, workers’ compensation, property tax freeze, selling of the Thompson Center and more. Yet each time the governor rejected our attempts to work with him, even when he agreed with 90 percent of the legislation.

“This budget will help meet the needs in my district and I am hopeful that legislators in both parties can continue to work together to address issues affecting families and communities across the state.”

For more information, please contact Turner’s constituent service office at 773-277-4700 or arthurt@ilga.gov.