As Illinois’ top political leaders struggle to end a two year budget standoff, one of them has announced she’s resigning.
Illinois Public Radio’s Brian Mackey reports.
Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno is stepping down effective Saturday. That’s the first day of Illinois' new budget year — and would be the third without a real budget unless she and the other legislative leaders cut a deal.
Radogno instigated the secret bipartisan attempt at compromise that became known as the “grand bargain.” She says she’d hoped to be able to resign after getting it passed.
“I will say that I feel strongly that the governor has the right agenda, but it’s not that easy getting there. We need fundamental change in this building, but wee need to compromise in order to get there.”
Gov. Bruce Rauner worked to block the grand bargain, feeling it didn’t go far enough in meeting his economic and political agenda. Radogno says that has nothing to do with her decision to leave. Rather, she says she’s looking forward to traveling with her husband, and spending more time with her kids and grandchildren.
