State Sen. Dave Koehler says he’s introduced a bill that will allow local governments to receive federal funds even if the state doesn’t have a budget.
That was a problem for local agencies like the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria had last year when the state didn’t have a spending plan.
The state budget also serves as the allocation mechanism for federal funds designated for such agencies. The Peoria Democrat says he introduced the bill, after talking about the idea with Director of Airports Gene Olson.
“They weren’t sure whether they were going to be able to use those federal funds," Koehler said. "So, this bill says when the federal government gives you money, then we say it’s already appropriated.”
Senator Koehler says the proposal already has bipartisan support.