SPRINGFIELD — Despite Democrat claims that their $4 billion unfunded budget is a legitimate proposal, it will create shortfalls that threaten human services programs and even the ability of schools to open on time, according to State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford).

“I think everyone on both sides of the aisle knows how reckless this $4 billion underfunded status quo budget is,” said Syverson. “They are playing political games with people’s lives, and it’s very disappointing. State employees and people who rely on important support services shouldn’t have to suffer so that Senate Democrats can try to protect their failed status quo.”

Sen. Syverson noted that Democrat leaders had walked away from negotiations with Gov. Rauner over the budget, revenue, and critically-needed reforms. Senate Democrats voted down common-sense proposals to reform workers compensation and lawsuits, and have completely blocked popular reforms like term limits and fair map proposals from being heard in committee.

“There’s two directions that Illinois can go. One is to follow the same failed ideas that have nearly destroyed our state. The second is to actually fix our problems, create new jobs, and grow our economy,” said Syverson. “Democrat leaders have made it abundantly clear that they are only interested in continuing the status quo of failure.”