Connor Responds to Rauner’s Budget Address, Calls on Governor to Propose a Balanced Budget

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Romeoville, released the following statement after the governor’s Budget Address:

“As he delivered his fourth budget address, today was Gov. Rauner’s chance to show that he puts the people of Illinois first; this was his chance to discuss a real plan of how to get our state back on the right track and restore our fiscal health. Unfortunately, rather than discuss a plan to tackle the outrageous bill backlog facing the state, the governor would rather play politics with the lives of the people that call Illinois home.  This is unacceptable.

“Rauner continues to feed us empty promises of lowering taxes and providing property tax relief for homeowners, but he does not have a sensible plan to get there. He says he wants to attract more businesses to Illinois, but cutting wages and benefits for working families is not the way to grow our economy.  Rather than repeating his partisan rhetoric, the governor needs to step up and be the leader that Illinois needs, take responsibility and accept that he is in charge.

“So many people are still suffering from the echoing impacts of the budget impasse, so I truly hope that the governor is sincere when he says he wants to be a part of the budget drafting process. With or without Rauner’s help, I am prepared to continue to work cooperatively with lawmakers from around the state to ensure that critical services, such as breast and cervical cancer screenings for women, community care programs for seniors and at-risk residents, and investments into the education of our children are fully funded.”

For more information, please contact Connor’s full-time constituent service office by calling 815-372-0085 or by emailing RepConnor@gmail.com.