A stalemate over how to fill a budget gap continues. Republican Governor Bruce Rauner's office says a proposal put forward by Senate Democrats is "half-baked."
First, the problem. Illinois' budget year goes through June, but money is already running out for needs like a program that helps low-income workers send their kids to daycare. Democratic Sen. Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge proposes using money now sitting in special state funds.
"This plan gives the governor, in particular, what he wants. There is no borrowing contained within this. There are no taxes."
But it won't cover the whole shortfall. And it doesn't authorize spending the money. Enter Republican Sen. Matt Murphy, of Palatine who says Senate Democrats are walking away from negotiations.
"And what you're doing here today is choosing to play politics with the lives of the working mothers and their children, that you trotted in here a month ago. Rather than solving their problem. And shame on you for that."
The governor's office agreed. Still, the plan advanced to the Senate floor, with all Democratic votes
