One southern Illinois lawmaker says he believes the House will approve a one-month temporary budget to allow state workers to receive their paychecks as a budget impasse drags on, while another hopes for a long-term solution.
A Cook County judge ruled Tuesday that without a budget in place, most state employees will not get paid.
Representative Brandon Phelps of Harrisburg says Governor Rauner could've shown he was serious about making sure state workers got paid just before the end of the Fiscal Year.
He could have kept the appropriation for state employees to continue to get paid. ~State Rep. Brandon Phelps
"He could've lined itemed a lot of the budget we sent him. You know, different line items he could've vetoed. He could have kept the appropriation for state employees to continue to get paid, but he decided to veto the whole entire budget."
GOP State Senator Dave Luechtefeld says the judge's ruling might get Governor Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan to ramp up their efforts reach a budget deal.
We can't keep doing business the way that we have over the last 12 years. ~State Sen. David Luechtefeld
"I think this governor has been willing to compromise with Madigan, and I hope people understand that we can't keep doing business the way that we have over the last 12 years. So this certainly will increase that urgency"
Wednesday, Governor Rauner said he will set aside his opposition to raising taxes if legislators approve his "Turnaround Agenda."