Budget Deal Not A Comprehensive Plan
For many lawmakers they say passing a stopgap budget is just them doing their job.
But they also acknowledge it's not a comprehensive plan or the way the state should be running.
"Thank goodness we're finally moving on with something here, right? The word 'finally' comes to mind," said Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet.
After a year of impasse the state of Illinois has a budget, but only for six months.
"This is more like a pressure release valve that we're allowing people just to breathe a little bit more, but we are certainly not undoing the damage that we've done to this state by not working together," said Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago.
Sen. Rose was a part of the budget working group that gave party leaders a framework for their negotiations.
Gov. Rauner says a stopgap was the only option five months before an election when lawmakers shy away from tough votes.
"There's a lot of work left to be done, there's no doubt about that. But for the area that I represent, there will be a lot of immediate needs that will be dealt with and give us the opportunity to come back and further negotiate these items to move the state forward," said Rose.
We asked if a temporary budget just kicks the can down the road.
"In terms of the fact that part of the budget is just a six month budget, absolutely, But in terms of the calendar you're at a point where this was the responsible thing to do. Could we have done better? Absolutely, there's no question about that. But right now this was the responsible thing to do," said Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon.
When lawmakers return to the capitol many rank and file members are hoping a stopgap deal provides some momentum.
"I think it showed over the last three days that if the leaders sit down and negotiate seriously and in good faith that we can do things. I think that includes the budget and I think that includes other things as well," said Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield.
Gov. Rauner says he will not give up on his turnaround reforms.
When lawmakers return they're going to have to come up with a plan to fund the rest of the fiscal year or the state will be in the same place it was in just last month.
