* I’ve been telling subscribers about these developments since last week…
[Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson] said the Senate should pass a “bare bones” budget and only pay for what the state can afford.
Rep. David Miller, a Lynwood Democrat, said the budget process in the House is being conducted to give individual members the chance to make a case for increased funding for particular departments so that the budget “reflects the needs of the state.”
The disconnect between the feuding budget proposals could indicate a “long, hot summer” like last year, said Rep. Mark Beaubien, a Barrington Hills Republican. “Everyone’s going their own separate ways. … The normal process of the budgeteers has totally broken down.”
Beaubien said the breakdown is by design — House Speaker Michael Madigan is pushing an overly optimistic, wish-list budget “designed to fail.” As a budget negotiator for his caucus, he said he believes Madigan may want to pressure the governor to accept an income tax increase to pay for increased funding for state agencies and new programs.
“The scenario being set up by Madigan is showing: ‘This is what we all want. We can’t get there. Let’s raise taxes,’” he said.
* The Senate and House Dems are going in opposite directions. Last year, Madigan wanted a bare bones budget and the Senate wanted more. This time, the roles are reversed, at least for now. Madigan wants a huge budget increase, and Jones wants a more modest proposal.
* Related…
* State: Food stamps, WIC at highest level ever in Illinois
* IDOT kills roadkill cleanup
* Editorial: Legislators, governor, start talking now