U.S. Senator Dick Durbin says the lack of a true government shutdown in Illinois is complicating efforts for the governor and legislative leaders to reach a budget agreement.
The Democrat says about 80-percent of funds are moving forward anyway... on what he calls 'automatic pilot' due to court decisions on paying state employees and federal Medicaid funds. Governor Bruce Rauner also signed a measure funding K-through 12 education.
But, the Senator says many citizens are still vulnerable in the absence of a state budget... including those who rely on social services.
"So we haven't reached the political crisis that usually occurs in a shutdown. I don't know if that means we'll limp along with this circumstance for a long time, I hope not."
Durbin predicts leaders could be motivated by falling approval ratings, but says he hopes a resolution can be found regardless of political calculations.