voted against a spending bill which he said has no money to pay for it. (WJBC file photo)
By Greg Bishop/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – It’s back to the state Senate with a measure House Republicans say plays a hoax on social service agencies.
Senate Bill 2046 was passed with a simple majority in the House Tuesday after an hour-long debate. State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said what took place was not compromise or fiscal responsibility but rather just another partisan spending bill filled with empty promises.
“That is a great, great message to send to the people that are depending on us,” Brady sarcastically declared on the Illinois House floor.
Brady said over the past few weeks, Republicans have proposed ways to fund MAP grants, universities, community colleges, social services, veterans homes, public health grants and much more – all tied to savings-generating government reforms.
Republican state Rep. Margo McDermed of Frankfort said the nearly $3.9 billion bill puts social service agencies in line with all the other vendors owed money by the state.
“We’re still piecemeal spending and if you think you’re going to get some money, take your ticket and go stand in line in front of the comptroller and that is the truth,” McDermed said.
The state comptroller has said the state is already on track to have a $10 billion backlog by this summer.
A memo to the General Assembly from Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs Richard Goldberg said an amendment to the bill would spend $3.9 billion but isn’t funded. Goldberg said the bill is, “another phony budget that promises to spend money the state simply doesn’t have.” Goldberg said it’s time to get back to negotiating in good faith.
However, after an hour-long debate on the measure Tuesday, Speaker Michael Madigan said he’s had more success working with six other governors from both political parties.
“Every other governor that I have worked with has negotiated with the General Assembly in good faith to help the people of Illinois to ensure that the people of this state do not needlessly suffer,” Madigan said.
Madigan said the measure is necessary to fund vital services and Democrats are not willing to go along with the governor’s proposed economic reforms, which Madigan said will hurt working-class families.
The measure was amended to include more funding, including back pay for some state employees that hasn’t been paid since 2012, pending appropriation.
The bill passed with a simple majority and now heads to the Senate.
Eric Stock contributed to this report.
