Halpin Responds to Rauner’s Budget Address

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, released the following statement after the
governor’s Budget Address:

“Throughout his time in office, Gov. Rauner has introduced three unbalanced budgets that have relied on budgeting gimmicks and phantom savings. His budget crisis put our entire state and citizens at risk, including funding for the most critical services and programs that protect the most vulnerable groups in Illinois.

“It took a bipartisan group of legislators working together last year to finally end the budget crisis, despite the Governor’s refusal to work in good faith. This year will take another collaborative, collective effort by both Republicans and Democrats in the General Assembly to put together a truly balanced budget that puts Illinois on a more prosperous path.

“If the governor is finally sincere in his desire to be a part of the process, he will find willing partners in House Democrats. It’s well past time that the governor accepts that he is in fact in charge and take responsibility in order to do his job effectively.”