(WJBC File Photo)
By Eric Stock
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House has adjourned until April, a move which upset some Republicans who say lawmakers should stay to work on a budget.
The House voted 70-43 to approve the spending bill of $3.7 to fund colleges and social services and 61-52 on a companion measure that would cancel a requirement that the state repay $454 million borrowed from special funds to plug holes in last year’s budget.
State Rep. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, said there’s still more work to do.
“We are here ready to go to work and there’s nobody here to work with us,” Bennett said.
Republicans also argued they were not consulted about the measure which was unveiled late Wednesday.
Representative Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, said Illinoisans are tired of the dysfunction.
“People are tired,” Mitchel said. “They want us to work together, that’s what we are here for. I’m not here just to represent Republicans.”
Gov. Bruce Rauner calls it a ‘sham’ bill, saying there’s no money to pay for it.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
