Democrats own state budget problem

In a recent Daily Herald article entitled, "Rauner says Madigan won't meet with him" (to solve Illinois' budget problem), I have one comment: The Democrats ARE the problem.

They have a super majority in both houses in Springfield, and can pass any bill they wish, and can override any veto by Governor Rauner. So, what are they waiting for? Why won't they pass a budget?

The answer is simple; They want to make Gov. Rauner look bad. They want to make him own Illinois' problem. On the contrary, the Democrats own the problem, controlling all three branches of Illinois government for well over a decade. And the Democrats continue to ignore the state Constitution requirement for a balanced budget.

The Democrats also use the excuse that Madigan runs the show. This is disingenuous. They could simply vote for a new speaker of the House and fire Rep. Madigan, who has been in charge for decades.

I doubt this will happen because Democrat legislators would have their political funding cut off.

Meanwhile, Illinois businesses are quietly leaving the state, people are losing their jobs and Illinois' bond ratings are in the cellar.

Gary Hesse

Buffalo Grove