By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Illinois is known for the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates. State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, suggests such a format could be the solution to the state’s months-long budget showdown.

“Maybe a series of public debates would be helpful,” Barickman said. “The two views of Madigan and Rauner go out in public and have a series of debates around the state and try to convince the public their ideas are right.”

PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Barickman on WJBC.

But Barickman told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin, doesn’t believe a public budget negotiation which Gov. Bruce Rauner and the legislative leaders have tentatively agreed to will produce any agreement.

“I’m in the group that has very little expectations from what appears to be a ‘PR show,” Barickman declared.

Rauner, Madigan and the other legislative leaders have tentatively agreed to a Nov. 18 public meeting.

Child care

Rauner is urging lawmakers not to block his emergency rules that greatly restricts access to the state’s child care assistance program. The Illinois House could vote next week to restore about $220 million in cuts.

Acknowledging he was the product of subsidized child care while his mother put herself through nursing school, Barickman said child care funding shouldn’t be a wedge issue during the budget showdown.

“I think it’s terrible that it’s happening, but the solution is not to just agree to spend more money you don’t have,” Barickman said. “The solution is to come together with a comprehensive budget that lives within your means and make sure that’s a priority that’s funded.”

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].