By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said he’s listening even though the legislative leaders aren’t talking.
Brady told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin he’s watched as thousands of people have protested for different causes at the Illinois capitol this year and he’s seen plenty of petitions urging lawmakers to pass a budget.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Brady on WJBC.
Brady said it helps to understand the extent of the problems the budget impasse has created.
“Do I know every daycare provider is having trouble because of the state budget? Yes,” Brady said. “Do I know what degree they are having that problem? It helps to hear that from those in your district.”
Brady said contrary to what you might believe, those efforts make a difference, even though no one has hardly budged on their budget stance.
“Did it make them feel like at least we are doing something and not sitting back in my hometowns watching things crumble, without at least standing up and making my voice heard,” Brady said.
Brady added the public won’t reach the point of outrage unless the government shut down entirely. He said the Democrats could wait until January to agree to a budget by passing a tax increase when it would no longer need a super-majority.
Meeting
Brady said he understands why House Speaker Mike Madigan wants to see an agenda from Gov. Bruce Rauner before agreeing to a budget meeting.
“What are we going to do with the budget specifically dealing with public safety and infrastructure,” Brady said. “Let’s have some items on the budget other than (saying) ‘Let’s just have a budget.’ Of couse we want a budget, but there are some cost concerns, that’s why we don’t have a budget right now.
Rauner proposed a meeting with the legislative leaders on Nov. 18, but they haven’t agreed on a place or what issues will be on the table. The governor wants his ‘Turnaround Agenda’ included. The Democrats say the reforms the governor wants aren’t central to the budget.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
