July 2, 2009

Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed a major budget measure, Senate Bill 1197, on July 1, claiming that he had no choice but to reject the proposal, which he said “does not effectively address Illinois’ growing budgetary and economic calamity.”

Senator Cronin said that the Governor’s veto was not unexpected – Quinn addressed a joint session of the General Assembly on June 30, and pledged to veto the budget, saying he would keep lawmakers in Springfield until a budget more to his liking is passed.

Senator Dan Cronin, Republican spokesperson of the Senate Education Committee, reports exclusively on education issues at the state and local level. Senator Cronin takes viewers on location to discuss education issues that affect schools in your neighborhood.

Illinois Education with Senator Cronin can be viewed every Thursday at 8:30 p.m., and is recorded on location from schools in the area. Check your local schedule for additional show times.

June 29, 2009

Springfield, Ill…The state’s Democrat leaders adjourned a special legislative session on June 24, but have plans to return on June 29 and 30. However, at this time it appears that there has been little progress made toward adopting a Fiscal Year 2010 budget proposal, despite the fact the end of the current fiscal year is rapidly approaching.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, Senate Republicans offered an alternative “bridge” budget, which would keep state government functioning and social service programs operational. Senator Cronin said they decided to offer the temporary proposal because negotiations that should have been going on back in March are only now beginning to take place. As was the case when Rod Blagojevich was governor, the current Governor and his fellow Democrats who control the state legislature have been unable to agree on any plan.