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Taxpayers Can't Foot Bill for Another Overtime Session
Budget, other key issues can be achieved by May 27th deadline
Elgin, IL…With the calendar counting down the final days before the General Assembly's May 27th scheduled adjournment deadline, the House Republicans stressed that our state cannot afford another costly overtime session. House Republicans have reached out to the governor and Democrat leaders in the Illinois General Assembly and pledged to work with them to pass a responsible budget and address other critical issues by the scheduled adjournment date.
"While the Democrats control both chambers of the General Assembly and the Governor's mansion, they are unable come to an agreement on our state budget. Last year, their inability to work together to meet our adjournment deadline cost Illinois taxpayers over $360,000 in overtime expenses," said State Representative Ruth Munson (R-Elgin). "With the ongoing budget deficit our state can little afford any additional expenses."
Munson said in addition to passing a responsible balanced budget, other issues Republicans feel must be addressed before adjournment include: Medical Malpractice Reform, Education Funding, and Pension Reform.
"Illinois' problems are apparent. During the last two years we have held hearings on critical medical malpractice reform. In the mean time, Illinois continues to lose doctors, and our families are placed at risk," said State Representative Munson. "It is time to stop talking and get the job done. If the Democrats will work with us, we can pass medical malpractice reform before we adjourn."
Education funding and pension reform are key components of the state budget. House Republicans are committed to protecting funding for schools, and passing fiscally responsible pension reforms that safeguard employees' retirement without increasing debt on future generations.
"Everyone has deadlines they have to meet, why should the state be any different? We have to pay our bills by the due date or pay additional late fees. It is irresponsible for government to fail to meet its deadlines and force the taxpayers to pay the late fees," said Munson. "It is time to get down to work. The clock is ticking."
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