Here’s what State Senator Karen McConnaughay has to say about recent affairs in Springfield:

Senator McConnaughay’s Legislative Update: July 2, 2015

A new fiscal year began this week without a state spending plan in place as Illinois’ budget standoff continues. Instead of engaging in open, bipartisan negotiations, this week the Democrats who control the legislative process pushed-through an unbalanced one-month budget. We can’t keep going from fiscal crisis to fiscal crisis. Illinois needs a permanent solution for our budget problems.

I’ll admit that things may appear grim, but I continue to hold on to hope that we can roll up our sleeves and, through bipartisan negotiations, find a solution to this problem. We must do what is right for the people of Illinois.

This weekend is the 4th of July! Throughout the 33rd District, there are so many fun things for you to do with your family and friends!

• Crystal Lake – Main Beach, July 5th at dusk.
• Huntley – Diecke Park, July 4th at 9 PM
• Woodstock – Emricson Park, July 4th at 9:30 PM

As the summer continues, and we work toward a balanced budget and fundamental reforms, your input continues to be important to the work I do representing you in Springfield. Please contact me or my office with questions or concerns you may have, and make sure your voice is heard! You can also visit my legislative website at www.senatormcconnaughay.com.

Karen McConnaughay
State Senator for the 33rd District

Budget compromise remains elusive as new fiscal year begins

A new fiscal year began on July 1 without a state budget in place, a situation Illinois has been in before. On July 1, 1991, the state faced a similar budget stalemate that came to an end only when legislative leaders and then-Governor Jim Edgar worked together to reach a compromise.

This willingness to compromise, the Chicago Tribune noted in an editorial, is the biggest difference between 1991 and 2015, “… Rauner is the one who has been showing flexibility. He has revised, reduced his expectations for an agreement. The Democratic leaders have not.”

Read more about the ongoing budget stalemate here

Gov. Rauner says no pay-raises for legislators with amendatory veto

Gov. Rauner said “no” to cost-of-living pay increases for legislators this week, issuing an amendatory veto on Senate Bill 1354.

The Governor noted that there is no room in the budget to increase salaries for legislators. In his veto message the Governor said, “A balanced budget requires shared sacrifice.”

Read more about the Governor’s amendatory veto here.