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Moffitt: State Budget Not a Permanent Fix
State Representative Don Moffitt says the budget passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Pat Quinn will prevent a government shutdown.

Lawmakers Wednesday night approved what's being described as a stop-gap $26-billion spending plan for government operations. It relies on $3.5 billion in borrowing and millions of dollars in cuts to restore most funding for social services.

Moffitt says the budget leaves much to be desired, but it's the best solution at this point in time. "Certainly, because of the tightness of the budget, it's not a budget that I especially like," Moffitt said. "But the alternative of shutting government down, of stopping services, was even less attractive."

The Gilson Republican says the budget provides stability for human services providers and ensures that critical state programs and services will continue for the entire fiscal year.

Moffitt says the legislation passed Wednesday night combined with legislation previously sent to the governor meets the state's pension obligation for Fiscal Year 2010, keeps correctional facilities operating and state troopers on the roads, and will allow schools and universities to open on time.

Moffitt says the budget that's been passed now puts the pressure on the state to come up with reforms like spending and how government is run. He expects lawmakers will re-evaluate the budget in January when the new legislative session begins.
07 15 09 by Newsroom
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