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Langfelder says budget gridlock may cripple Illinois consumer spending

Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder

The effects of Illinois' lack of budget are being felt statewide, but the pain is especially acute in the seat of state government. 

The state of Illinois is a big employer in Springfield.  Which is why local banks were ready to offer loans when it was thought that the impasse would block paychecks for state workers.

Instead, court rulings mean employees are still getting paid.

 But after two-and-a-half months without a state budget, Mayor Jim Langfelder says there's plenty of concern in the capital city about what's ahead - especially as the holiday season approaches.

"When there's uncertainty, it's going to impact how people spend. Especially state workers: and that impacts our retail stores, our restaurants, so it's very important that they do come to grips with getting having a budget in place soon," Lanfelder said. 

Municipalities themselves by and large have not been affected by the gridlock; the state automatically sends local governments their portion of the sales tax.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.