Page 17 - November 2015

New senators and same old budget story
LODGE 7 LEGISLATIVE REPORT
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The re ar e tw o new m embers o f the Il lin ois S enate .
DAVE SULLIVAN
Democra t Laura M ur phy h as b ee n appoint ed to
replac e retiring Sen ator D an Kotowski . M urp hy is th e
Maine T ow nsh ip Democra t Comm ittee m an and
former Al de rman in Des Plai nes. Th is north wes t sub ur-
b a n s e a t w i l l b e t a r g e t e d b y t h e R e p u b l i c a n s i n 2 0 1 6 .
The new Repu b lica n State Se na tor in th e 3 7th District

is former Peoria City Councilman Chuck Weaver. This

bipartisan duo of new Senators enters the Illinois Leg-

islature at a fascinating time.

As to what is (or is not) happening in Springfield, Gov.

Rauner has announced his intent to sell the Thompson Center in

Chicago. As of this writing, Senate President Cullerton and House

Speaker Madigan have not yet indicated their support of the proposed

sale. Senate Republican Leader Radogno and House Republican

Leader Durkin are supportive of the sale.

While discussions continue between the governor and legislative
f
leaders, there does not appear to be much hope for a budget

resolution anytime soon. Much of state government funding

continues despite the budget standoff, but there are some programs

and agencies that are announcing layoffs and ceasing operations. State

Comptroller Leslie Munger has announced that the state will not be

able to make its next pension payment. While the fiscal year does not

end until next June, many believe that the State will have spent

through its projected revenue for the year by March if there is no solu-
tionbythen. d
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CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2015 17 1