Legislative Update for August 7th, 2007

Well another day of the same old, same old! Although we are just one day from state workers missing their paychecks, there was still no talk of a budget to be presented to Illinois lawmakers on the Floor today. Ninety-nine legislators attended today's session where a few bills were passed but there was no word of a budget even though tomorrow's date will cause workers to miss their August 15th paychecks.

The Governor has been quoted several times saying there is no hurry to produce a budget. Schools and numerous state programs do have contingency plans in place that will begin if there is no budget decided by tomorrow, he insists. Comptroller Dan Hynes, who writes the checks, is adamant that sufficient damage will occur if no budget is signed by tomorrow evening. August 8th is critical as more than 4,900 state workers will not receive paychecks without a budget in place. Let's not play 'chicken' with people's lives.

With little action to report from the Floor, leaders continue to meet to discuss key topics such as expanding gambling and funding a possible capital plan. It is difficult to tell if a budget will be presented this week as many are now speculating that it may be a while before that happens. I did receive a letter from House Speaker Madigan today asking if I needed help finding accommodations for the weekend in Springfield since the State Fair is in town not a good message for resolution to the crisis! Session is at 11:00 am tomorrow.