I want to thank all the members of the Illinois House of Representatives who courageously voted to step back from the fiscal disaster of the last two years and to take back their constitutional power of appropriation. In particular I want to thank the 15 Republican profiles in courage who were true heroes today, standing up for the people of Illinois and not for a Party of One.
We still have a long road ahead to a comprehensive budget plan to pay down our $15 billion backlog of unpaid bills that has tripled in the two years since Governor Rauner took office. I am disheartened but not surprised that he, as a Party of One, has announced that he will veto the bill. I hope that all the legislators who showed true courage on Sunday’s tough votes stay strong and steadfast in overriding his irresponsible veto.
Sunday’s vote sends a strong message to the financial markets that Illinois is serious about getting its fiscal house in order. I strongly encourage Republicans and Democrats in the state Senate to likewise forge ahead working together. Our office will continue working with members of the General Assembly to help in whatever capacity we can. When we come together in a bipartisan fashion, great things are possible for the state. Let’s keep this positive momentum going.
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