Moffitt: Democrats denied taxpayers right to ask questions about budget bill

don-moffitt-150x150-17

After 11 months with no state spending plan and less than a week before the end of the legislative session, the Illinois House passed a budget yesterday two hours after introducing it.

But Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has called it the “phoniest phony budget in Illinois history” and says he will not sign it.

Local State Rep. Don Moffitt says the plan would add $7 billion to the state’s growing deficit and that state income taxes would have to increase to an estimated 5.5 percent to fund the proposals.

The Gilson Republican says a member of the Democratic majority used a parliamentary maneuver to end debate which the Chairman recognized and the bill was voted on.

The budget passed 63-53 with seven Democrats voting against.

Republicans asked for a verification so they could be assured all Democrats voting for the budget were present.

Moffitt says that Democrats denied taxpayers the chance to ask questions about the budget pushed through Illinois House yesterday.

“This is the first since I’ve been here, and it’s been 24 years, that a request for a verification has been denied,” says Moffitt. “So I’m troubled by the process that occurred today in really not allowing enough transparency, sunshine and discussion on the budget,” Moffitt said at a news conference yesterday.

GOP Rep. Randy Frese added it was like being hit by a freight train and this will bring more talk of tax increases.

Next the bill will head to the Senate facing down a May 31 end of the legislative session.

ReCENT POSTS

Loading...