Michael Madigan praises Quinn for blunt budget speech

SPRINGFIELD — House Speaker Michael Madigan is applauding Gov. Pat Quinn for laying out the state’s financial crisis in stark terms.

The Chicago Democrat said Wednesday that Quinn’s budget address delivered a very clear message about the need to address problems with Medicaid and pensions. Madigan says it was legitimate for Quinn to tell lawmakers not to go home until the problems are solved.

In an interview with public television, Madigan emphasized that passing a budget under such tough conditions will require a bipartisan approach.

Madigan says House Republican leader Tom Cross has agreed to cooperate with Democrats again this year.