Conroy Calls on Rauner to Address Challenges Facing State

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, released the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget address on Wednesday:

“Once again, the governor delivered an unbalanced budget that relies on fake savings and faulty accounting.

“Governor Rauner spent years derailing budget negotiations and moving the goal posts. Last year, I joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work around Governor Rauner and pass a balanced, responsible budget. Not only is Rauner’s budget unbalanced, it includes what would amount to one of the largest property tax increases in history by forcing local homeowners to pick up the tab for the state’s portion of the pension costs. This would increase local property taxes exponentially while taking vital dollars out of DuPage County schools.

“DuPage County families deserve better than Governor Rauner’s irresponsible budgets. I’m calling on my colleagues and the governor to craft a budget that helps us pay down the backlog of bills, funds mental health and addiction services, protects senior services, and gives our students and schools the resources they need to succeed. I’m ready and willing to work with Republican and Democratic legislators to get the job done. I hope the governor will finally be ready to join us.”