By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is disappointed and surprised that lawmakers have been unable to agree on a state budget.

White said it’s time for state lawmakers to get to work for the good of the people.

“I just hope that the parties involved will go into the room, whether it’s in Springfield or not, sit down and work on behalf of the people of Illinois,” White said. “They need to come up with a budget that will provide the services that the people of the state have come to appreciate. Those need to be provided in a timely manner.”

Illinois is in its fourth month without a state budget. White said it’s Illinois residents that are paying the price.

“We’re talking about young people who are preschoolers, the kids who attend our schools and the parents who have to work but yet they need child care,” said White. “The list goes on and on as to the people who are suffering in our state because a budget has not been arrived at.”

White said it’s time for state lawmakers to get to work and pass a budget.

“I would encourage every member of the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor to perform their duties in a manner of which all of us can be proud,” White said. “They have a job to do, they need to do it to the best of their ability and do it now.”

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].