Page 11 - October 2015

DAVE SULLIVAN
State Budget still stalled
LODGE 7 LEGISLATIVE REPORT
As you know, the extended Illinois Legislative Session continues to drag on into the fall. I wish I could report progress to you, but I cannot. Gov. Rauner and legislators have still not reached a deal on the state budget.
The budget was scheduled to be finished by May 31, but it has not happened. However, between government agreements and judicial orders, nearly 90 percent of the budget is being spent. There have been reports of police training
programs being limited because of the budget impasse and many other entities are looking for a long-term solution to help. The Illinois House and Senate are not scheduled to return to Springfield for Session until Oct. 20, so much progress is not expected soon. All state representatives and one-third of the Illi- nois Senate are currently passing petitions as they gear up for re- election. They need to file those petitions in late November, which is when will know who will have a primary race. The pri- mary is set for March 15, 2016. With the Presidential race up for
grabs, Illinois might actually be a factor in the nomination process for President.
Several legislators have announced their retirements recently, including the following state senators: Democrat Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge; Republican Dan Duffy of Barrington; Republican Dave Luechtefeld of Okawville; and Democrat John Sullivan of Rushville. The State Representatives who will be retiring include: Democrats Eddie Acevedo of Chicago, Frank Mautino of Spring Valley, Pat Vershoore of Rock Island; and Republicans Adam Brown of Champaign, Don Moffitt of Galesburg and Ed Sullivan of Mundelein.
In addition, sadly, State Representative Esther Golar of Chica- go passed away after a battle with cancer. She was a great lady who brought her passion and heart to her position as she fought for the people of Chicago.
Unfortunately, I do not see an end to the legislative battle going on between the governor and democratic legislators any- time soon. We will remain vigilant as the session drags on into its fifth month of overtime. d
12 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ OCTOBER 2015
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