By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The budget stalemate continues in Springfield as the state prepares to enter its third month without a spending plan.

State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) told WJBC’s Dan Swaney Democratic leaders aren’t even will to come to the table right now and a reason might be concern over next year’s primary elections.

“The fact that there is a very interested, organized Democratic pact, that is independent of the traditional Chicago Democrats, that are looking to elect Democrats that will be responsible fiscally,” Brady said.

Podcast: Listen to Brady’s full conversation on WJBC.

Brady added this budget impasse is than the one which took place his first year in office as a state representative in 1993. The reason, Brady said, is not just because this impasse has gone on longer, but the dollar amounts are much higher.

“We’re not talking about several hundred million dollars in deficit, as we were in 1993 and 1994,” said Brady. “Were talking about several billion dollars – $6 billion.”

Pope in the U.S.

Brady said he’s excited Pope Francis will be in the U.S. this week. He said the pope is a lot like Pope John Paul II when it comes to bringing out the best in people.

“This is a man who I think just makes people feel good in a very moral sense,” Brady said.

Pope Francis will be in Washington D.C. later this week where he plans to speak to Congress and visit the White House.  He’ll also visit New York City and Philadelphia.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].