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Sen. Durbin Talks Illinois Budget Impasse

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Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois)

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.

 

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