By IL Radio Network
Springfield, IL – LAWMAKERS ARE BEING ORDERED BACK TO SPRINGFIELD NEXT WEEK FOR A TWO-DAY SPECIAL SESSION AIMED AT BRINGING MORE MONEY INTO STATE COFFERS. BUT MANY PEOPLE EXPECT THE SAME OLD BICKERING TO CONTINUE, WITH NO SOLUTION TO A BUDGET DEFICIT.
FOR EXAMPLE, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS CONGRESSMAN JOHN SHIMKUS THINKS THE GRIDLOCK MAY BE BROKEN ONLY WITH A LAWSUIT BY LAWMAKERS OR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THAT CHALLENGES THE GOVERNOR'S AUTHORITY TO SPEND MONEY WITHOUT LAWMAKERS' APPROVAL.
SUCH A SUIT COULD APPLY TO GOVERNMENT OPERATING WITHOUT A BUDGET STARTING JULY 1ST, OR TO BLAGOJEVICH ORDERING AN EXPANSION OF MEDICAID PROGRAMS WITHOUT THE O-K FROM LAWMAKERS.
THE GOVERNOR WANTS LAWMAKERS TO PASS EXPANDED GAMBLING AND SPECIAL FUND SWEEPS TO FIX WHAT HE CALLS A MORE THAN TWO BILLION DOLLAR GAP IN THE BUDGET.
