Carroll Responds to Governor’s Budget Address,

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the Governor’s Budget Address earlier today, state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Buffalo Grove, released the below statement:

“Over the last three years, Rauner has fed the people of Illinois three budgets that were billions of dollars out of balance.  Illinois cannot afford to continue having more of the same.  The governor’s partnership and cooperation in the budget-drafting process is much overdue, and I hope that his stated desire for collaboration is sincere.

“As a special education teacher, I know firsthand the difference that access to programs such as The Autism Program can make for a child on the autism spectrum. Access to these critical services can mean the difference between a nonverbal child that is able to communicate and express their thoughts with their family, and one that cannot. The fact that the governor would want to play political games with vital services, where people’s livelihood and wellbeing are literally on the line, is unfathomable.

“Throughout Rauner’s time in office, Illinois has only been able to make progress when legislators agreed to work together without him. Even if the governor refuses to negotiate and work in good faith with the General Assembly to draft a balanced budget, I stand ready to work with lawmakers from around the state to craft a plan that will work to restore our state’s fiscal health while also ensuring that critical services are accessible and available.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Carroll’s full-time constituent service office by calling 847-229-5499 or by emailing RepJonathanCarroll@gmail.com.