AARP Illinois Statement On The Passage Of The Illinois Budget

With only hours left in the 2018 regular legislative session, Illinois legislators passed a balanced budget to the Governor for the first time in years. AARP Illinois issued the following statement today applauding the Illinois General Assembly for responsibly working together in a bi-partisan collaborative manner to pass a balanced budget.

“Under the Illinois Constitution, the General Assembly has one job – to pass a balanced state budget, and today they listened to those saying “Enough is Enough” and did just that,” said Ryan Gruenenfelder, Director of Advocacy and Outreach for AARP Illinois. “ While much work remains to develop a comprehensive long term, multi-year solution to address Illinois’ tremendous debt, AARP Illinois is pleased the bi-partisan group of budget negotiators displayed partisan differences can be put aside to do what is right for the citizens of Illinois.”

With a budget in place, we hope Illinois’ debt will not increase and worsen the fiscal crisis. Considering Illinois’ unpaid bill backlog continues to hover around $6.5 billion, interest owed on unpaid bills exceeds $1 billion, long term debt is over $140 billion, pension debt surpasses $130 billion and the credit rating hovers near junk bond status, much work remains. We urge all members of the Illinois General Assembly to continue working in this bi-partisan spirit to identify additional solutions that will end this long term fiscal solutions.

We have confidence the Illinois General Assembly can compromise with Governor Rauner to pass a long term, comprehensive solution to get Illinois back on the right track. AARP Illinois will continue reaching out to Illinoisans everywhere to discuss solutions, hear concerns, and make it clear to candidates for office and current officials that fixing Illinois’ fiscal crisis must be their top priority.

Gruenenfelder urges Illinois’ gubernatorial candidates to make the fiscal crisis their top priority by proposing realistic, comprehensive, and equitable solutions along with a detailed plan explaining how the work will be accomplished. This is vital to the future of our state. It’s vital for a secure retirement. It’s vital for our children and grandchildren’s education in schools and in higher education. It’s vital for our economy, jobs, and the success of our businesses. It’s vital for Illinoisans of all ages to love and take pride in our state.

Visit http://enoughisenough.aarp.org to learn more about the Enough is Enough initiative and get involved.

To see how your member of the General Assembly voted click below

State Senate Vote

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/100/senate/10000HB0109_05302018_056000T.pdf

State House Vote: Senate Amendment

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/100/house/10000HB0109sam003_05312018_003002C.pdf

State House Vote: Senate Amendment

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/100/house/10000HB0109sam002_05312018_003001C.pdf

State House Vote: Senate Amendment

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/100/house/10000HB0109sam002_05312018_003001C.pdf

If you don't know who represents you in the Illinois or the Illinois House click  HERE and use the "Find Your State Legislature link.