SPRINGFIELD, IL – Human service providers could continue programs and other government services would be able to operate into the new fiscal year if a Bridge Budget is approved by the General Assembly, as proposed by State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac). The Illinois Senate adjourned with no action taken to solve the budget impasse. “This is inexcusable,” emphasized the Senator.

Rutherford was joined for a press conference by the entire Senate Republican caucus after the full Senate adjourned Wednesday, June 24, when no action was taken to resolve the uncertainty of a new fiscal year budget. Rutherford’s idea of a Bridge Budget would fund government services a month at a time at last fiscal year’s level until a new full year budget is approved.

“Our plan will enable those Illinois citizens who depend on human services to keep getting their care at the same time a permanent spending plan is being crafted,” Rutherford said.

“I concur with the majority of Illinoisans: 1) they want real change in their state government, 2) they do not want their taxes raised, and 3) they do not want government services shut down.  Our Bridge Budget will keep government operating at last fiscal year’s level. It will necessitate hard questions be answered about structural change in government services and it will allow full debate on raising the state income tax,” the Senator commented.

Democratic majorities in the House and Senate approved a spending plan that used the state’s most vulnerable citizens as political pawns. The proposed 50 percent budget, passed by all Democrat votes, as approved on May 31 has dominated media coverage and thus forced service providers to plan for the worst-case scenarios.

“One party having absolute power has proven itself to not work, absolutely. It’s time for the politicians to sit down and the statesmen to stand up. The Bridge Budget will allow services to be delivered to those with developmental disabilities, mental challenges, children, as well as those with substantive abuse and our treasured elderly while a permanent solution is created,” noted Rutherford.

Senator Rutherford has a YouTube video posted at www.youtube.com/SenDanRutherford and an audio clip available at:  www.DanRutherford.com/Bridge%20Budget.MP3