Senate Democrats rammed through another constitutionally unbalanced budget bill, while still refusing to work on needed reforms or a truly balanced budget plan, according to State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford).

“Democrat leaders tried to frame this as a temporary, one-month budget, but that simply isn’t the case,” said Senator Syverson. “The citizens of Illinois need a real budget and fundamental reforms, instead of more delays and political maneuvers.”

Senator Syverson pointed to analysis from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) that showed the “temporary” budget represented similar spending to a single month of the same unbalanced budget that the Governor had already vetoed. GOMB indicated that if the “temporary” budget was extended out for a full 12 months, it would spend around $4 billion more than the state is expected to take in. The budget passed by Democrats during the regular legislative session was estimated to be upside-down by a similar amount.

“This is just more of the same unbalanced budgeting that has lead our state down a disastrous path, it’s just that now they’re trying to do it one small piece at a time,” said Senator Syverson. “Now we are in Fiscal Year 16 without a budget, which unfortunately just creates more uncertainty for our residents who rely on essential services, as well as our employees.”

Lawmakers in the Illinois House voted the measure down, despite Democrats maintaining a supermajority in that chamber, holding enough seats to pass any legislation. Meanwhile House Speaker Mike Madigan continued his refusal to work with the Governor and Republicans to pass needed reforms and a balanced budget.

“What is disheartening is that we are just a few responsible decisions away from turning Illinois around,” said Senator Syverson. “If we can improve the Illinois job climate and pass a responsible balanced budget, we could be on the road to unprecedented growth.”