One of western Illinois’ state lawmakers said this year's budget stalemate in Springfield is one of the longest and most frustrating budget battles he’s seen.
State Representative Don Moffitt (R-Gilson) has served in the House for 22 years, first taking office in 1993. Moffitt said he has seen a few budget battles stretch into July before but this is the first time he’s seen an impasse go this late in the year.
Moffitt said there also doesn’t seem to be a resolution in sight. He said that’s because of the clash of personalities between House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Republican Governor Bruce Rauner.
“These are both very successful leaders, very proven leaders, and they have come to the situation where they have a difference of opinion. And they’re both holding firm to that,” Moffitt said.
Moffitt said the pair have yet to establish common ground in the budget fight.
Another factor in the stalemate is the disagreement over how much money is available to the state. Moffitt concurs with Rauner, who said the state should have around $32 billion to spend. Legislative Democrats passed a budget that spends around $36 billion.
Moffitt said he feels confident that a budget will be approved at some point.
“The (state) Constitution calls for a couple things that we need to respect. And that is, the legislature shall approve appropriations for the next fiscal year. And so, we should not go without a budget. We should have one that the legislature has approved.”
