Now that the calendar has flipped to 2017, leaders across the state are wondering what might change when it comes to the budget. But not many are hopeful for a breakthrough anytime soon.
Carbondale Mayor Mike Henry says the uncertainty and lack of funding is wreaking havoc on programs – he says enough is enough.
“The elephant in the room is the biggest drag on the state of Illinois right now is the lack of a state budget. It’s continuing over and over and over. The party leadership of both parties need to get together and do this.”
Illinois hasn’t had a full state budget since June of 2015. The latest stop-gap spending measure expired on Saturday, with no planned meetings between Governor Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders.
The General Assembly is scheduled to be back in session next week.
