By Greg Bishop/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – A state senator hopes to free up $60 million in capital funds to finish a veterans home in northwest Chicago but the governor says instead of focusing on one project lawmakers should pass a “truly balanced budget.”
State Sen. John Mulroe (D-Rosemont) said his bill, S.B. 2225, frees up money that’s already been approved but not appropriated because of the budget impasse.
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office said the money was in the governor’s introduced budget and wasn’t in the budget passed by the majority Democrats the governor later vetoed.
Mulroe said the 200 bed facility started construction about a year ago and he hopes the $60 million will be enough to finish the project.
Mulroe said he hopes the bill puts pressure on everyone to approve the funding for this and what he estimates are around 200 other stalled projects.
However, Rauner’s office urged Mulroe “to work with members of his caucus to pass structural reforms like true property tax relief, redistricting and term limit amendments, and a truly balanced budget.”
