Democratic leaders in the Illinois General Assembly are congratulating their colleagues for adopting a partial-year budget plan but warn that serious work remains. The House and Senate sent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner legislation to keep government operating for six months and schools funded for a full year. Higher education institutions, social services providers, and government operations will get money for six months.
The deal means the state will still enter a second fiscal year Friday without a full budget and will likely extend the partisan fighting over a comprehensive spending plan past the November elections. The partial budget ensures schools will operate for a full academic year and brings a sigh of relief for districts that wondered whether they could open at all.
Chicago Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan indicated he had achieved what he's sought since Rauner took office 18 months ago. He says the deal is the result of "serious compromise and good-faith efforts."
He noted Rauner set aside his agenda for changes to the business climate that Democrats oppose but acknowledged Democrats didn't get everything they wanted either. Senate President John Cullerton - a Chicago Democrat - says it's an indication of what can be done when all sides work together.
