By Nick McClintock
SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Jason Barickman spoke alongside Gov. Bruce Rauner Wednesday to discuss the budget impasse, as well as it’s impact on schools.
Barickman said the threat of starting classes next fall without a budget is something on a lot of peoples minds.
“Talk to any teacher, student or parent, and they will tell you there is real concern about if their school is going to be open in the fall. ” Barickman said. “And if they do open, are you going to have a full five day week, the classes that are going to be offered, and the like.”
Barickman said Speaker Michael Madigan and other Democratic leaders should be asked why they aren’t voting on a stopgap measure to ensure schools get funding. The House refused to call the measure for a vote before the spring session ended last week.
“The only reason (The House) is not voting for them, is because Speaker Madigan and John Cullerton, won’t call those bills for a vote,” Barickman said.
Madigan called off a meeting of the General Assembly on Wednesday.
Nick McClintock can be reached at nick.mcclintock@cumulus.com
