Reboletti Pushes for Emergency Action on Budget

June 21, 2007

Addison … Frustrated with the lack of progress on the state budget and concerned about the effect of a government shutdown, State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst) pushed the passage of a one-month emergency spending plan which would allow more time for crafting a fiscally responsible budget plan for FY08.

“It’s unfortunate it has come to this but someone must come forth and show some leadership; we must keep moving forward and move beyond the petty bickering of the Democrat Party,” stated Reboletti. “A government shutdown is not an acceptable outcome, which is why we are unfortunately presenting our one-month proposal,” he added.

The House Republicans are preparing to file legislation containing a one-month appropriation plan aimed at keeping state government functioning. Last year’s state budget is set to expire in nine days on June 30th. If a spending plan for Fiscal Year 2008 is not in place by then, state government will be faced with a shutdown in which state employees will stop receiving their paychecks.

“From the beginning we have asked to be part of the process and to sit down with the other caucuses to work on a responsible budget. Unfortunately, even the budget meetings are no longer focused on the budget. The Governor has called in a string of guest speakers to talk about TIF districts, healthcare and a variety of other topics that have nothing to do with getting a spending plan in place by the end of the fiscal year. The Governor’s office also continues to suggest the sale of the State Lottery even though the overwhelming majority of my constituents responding to my survey made clear they don’t see that as an option,” said Reboletti. “If a shutdown occurs, thousands of state workers could be furloughed. Essential services provided by the State Police, drivers’ license facilities and road maintenance workers will be affected.”

The proposal is being introduced by House Republicans due to growing frustrations over a lack of progress in budget negotiations being held in Springfield.

In addition to the one-month spending plan, the House Republicans have also introduced a No Tax Increase budget proposal earlier this session in an attempt to advance budget negotiations. The spending plan included increased funding for education through natural revenue growth. This spring, House Republicans also introduced a comprehensive capital plan to repair our crumbling infrastructure and provide more funding for school construction and mass transit.

“Our goal must be to put into place a one-year, fiscally responsible and balanced budget. But the reality is that it is unlikely to happen in the next ten days. We need to do the responsible thing and be prepared to pass an emergency budget to keep critical state services up and running,” Reboletti concluded.

For additional information, Representative Reboletti can be contacted at 630-530-2730.

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