Democrats Don't Buy Rauner's Call For 'Compromise' On Budget

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Democrats aren't buying into Governor Rauner's brief public call for "compromise" Tuesday evening. The governor's three-minute speech was delivered to an empty room and broadcast live on his Facebook page. Its focus was a plea for senators to "put the people's interests above all else" in Wednesday's special session to discuss the currently non-existent Illinois state budget.

In a statement, Oak Park Senator Don Harmon-D of Oak Park slammed the speech, saying Rauner is choosing "show business over state business." Harmon went on to say that Rauner "took to TV news [Tuesday] evening to deflect blame for the state budget stalemate." His comments echoed the sentiments of many Democrats throughout Illinois.

Representative Greg Harris, who is the lead budget negotiator for the Illinois House Democratic Caucus, mentioned the governor's refusal to negotiate a budget over the past three years. Harris said that now "the governor is talking out of both sides of his mouth." He added, "As [Rauner] holds a campaign rally ostensibly calling for unity, he's also bankrolling negative attack ads and mailers against the very people he is calling on to work with."

The continued lack of a budget in Illinois has caused repercussions throughout the state and will likely cause more. IDOT has said that road construction will cease without a budget in Illinois. The Illinois lottery has also said that there will be no Mega Millions and Powerball without a state budget. The issue will impact schools, infrastructure and social throughout Chicago and all of Illinois.

>>Related: Illinois In Massive Crisis Mode Financially

What do you think of Governor Rauner's speech last night? Do you think the special session will solve anything?

Let us know in the comments.

Image via Governor Bruce Rauner Facebook