Only massive protest will break deadlock

Recently the Illinois Senate took an important vote on yet another piece of legislation that would provide funding for social services, higher education and other programs not currently covered as a result of consent decrees during this budget impasse.

While Republicans are providing shallow recommendations on alternatives or bargaining with issues that have little or nothing to do with the budget, my Democrat colleagues and I continue to take votes in support of our state's vital programs.

Almost a year has gone by without passing a budget as the full faith and credit of our state has become a sham. Treatment centers, group homes and whole hosts of social services are shutting down month after month. Universities are requesting students to pay back their MAP grants.

In the Senate, we have passed bills, overridden vetoes, held numerous committees and still no agreement.

Now, the comptroller has now taken to withholding our pay as legislators. It's like déjà vu all over again. We shame ourselves to conduct the people's business in this way.

I am often asked if we are going to have a budget by May 31. Most years I would say yes. This year is different, however.

If I am completely honest, given the length of time we have already gone without an effective budget, I have little faith we will reach an accord absent one condition: thousands and thousands of people from Illinois descending upon their state Capitol in protest.

Until then, the citizens of this state can only watch and observe as this governor, ruminating over his failed agenda, stands in ruinous opposition to meeting the just demands of our people.

Sen. Michael Noland

Elgin