State lawmakers were back in Springfield today to begin a six day veto session and to resume discussions about the now 16-month budget impasse that persists in Illinois.
This morning, local State Rep. Don Moffitt told WGIL he was “hopeful” a meeting today between Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, Sen. President John Culerton and Gov. Bruce Rauner could be a step in the right direction to securing a full state budget.
“Now having said that and having a lot of sessions behind me and given the dynamics of the campaign that was just finished and then the election, I think it’s not going to be a quick, easy fix,” Moffitt says. “I’m encouraged, but I think it’s going to take some real movement on all sides to see progress and move toward an agreement.”
That agreement seems to still be far off. The Associated Press reported this afternoon that Madigan is suggesting another stopgap budget, much like the one currently in place through December. Republicans have said they would not agree with another temporary spending plan — specifically one without Rauner backed reforms.
Moffitt again reiterated he would also not support what he calls an “unbalanced budget,” which has been a sticking point for many GOP leaders.
In regard to the veto session, the Gilson Republican says he wants to hear the Governor’s claims for vetoing certain bills, like one that automatically registers voters when they visit government offices. Though some Republicans opposed that measure, Moffitt voted in favor.
