Bush votes for state budget compromise

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Melinda Bush issued the following statement after voting in favor of a budget plan that will ensure full funding for schools, relief funding for universities and human services organizations, and continued operations for state agencies and important road construction projects.

“I’m not going to act like today is a victory, because we never should have gotten to this point,” said Bush, D-Grayslake. “The hard work of governing the state has just begun. The media outlets, taxpayers and humanitarian workers who demand a full budget are right: We need to do our job.”

Bush supported the legislation, which fully funds Lake County schools at recommended levels with additional need-based grants through the entire upcoming school year. The compromise also included stopgap funding through the end of the year for human services like autism relief, aid to the aged, homeless and blind, and programs for those with mental illnesses.

Other parts of the legislation ensure that summer construction projects will not be interrupted and that vendors who work with state agencies will be paid. Universities will also receive funding through the end of December, including need-based grants for students.

“Illinoisans called for compromise and I am glad the governor and our legislative leaders finally did so in good faith,” Bush said. “It’s time for all of us to put politics aside and move Illinois forward with a real, full budget.”

Senate Bill 2047 awaits the governor’s signature to become law.