Halpin Statement on Rauner’s State of the State

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.– State Rep. Mike Halpin., D-Rock Island, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s State of the State Address on Wednesday:

“What we heard from the governor today was no different than any of his previous speeches, where he has said one thing but done another. His actions always tend to be different from what we have heard are his priorities.

“It took Democrats and Republicans coming together, without any input from the governor, to compromise on a balanced budget and reform our education system. Instead of working with the legislature, the governor refused to lead for more than 700 days, creating one manufactured crisis after another. If we are to continue to improve the state’s economy, it will take more compromises and bipartisan negotiations to fix the damage of the last three years.

“If the governor is sincere about working to improve the state, he can start by choosing to work with the legislature, and not ignore them, like he has done since he took office. I remain hopeful that he will choose to work with us, but if he does not, my colleagues and I will continue to work to help improve our education system, state services and to pass a full and balanced budget for the people of Illinois despite his political games.”