New state budget is far from adequate

The Illinois General Assembly has fumbled yet another opportunity to act responsibly on the state budget. At a time when Illinois' children, as well as the sick and the elderly, needed courageous leaders, little courage has been on display at the Statehouse.

The Senate Democrats were the exception, voting to raise revenue sufficient to fund current state programs and put the state on solid fiscal footing for the first time in many years. However, House members, rather than raise taxes to reduce the costly state debt and pay for services to the needy, as well as for the state services that all Illinoisans use, supported another bogus budget based on borrowing.

After Gov. Pat Quinn undercut Senate Democrats, the bogus budget was the only viable plan. Viable, but far from adequate. And the damage will be seen in schools this fall.

Ken Swanson

President

Illinois Education Association