Lilly Urges Governor to Compromise on Budget, Focuses on Protecting Illinois Families

CHICAGO – State Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, released the following statement after Gov. Rauner’s budget address on Wednesday:

“Despite the governor’s unwillingness to compromise with the House and Senate last year, both Democrats and Republicans worked together and overrode the governor’s veto, passing a fully funded budget that put the people of Illinois first. This provides an opportunity for the governor to work with the legislature to ensure that we pass a budget that does not come at the expense of the hard-working families, disabled, children and seniors in our great state.

“When the legislature worked together last year after the governor’s veto, we passed budget that cut state debt from over $16 billion to $5 million. I am determined to put our state back on a more financially responsible path. Illinois families cannot afford to pay for unbalanced budgets introduced, so this will require a careful, line-by-line review to ensure that it is truly balanced.

“If the governor is sincere in his desire to put Illinois families first by passing a responsible budget, House Democrats will be ready to work with him. I am committed to working with both sides of the aisle in order to provide lifesaving health care, funding for our schools, and protecting at-risk residents.”