Rep. Mark Batinick's First Budget Discussion a Success

A crowd of 70 constituents packed the Plainfield American Legion on Monday night, where State Representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) gave his thoughts on the budget process in Springfield and the economic reforms that he believes could shed light on the State’s growing deficit. With thousands of families having lost access to state services as the Illinois General Assembly remains mired in stalemate without a full budget for the new fiscal year that began July 1, Rep. Batinick has continued to remain open and available to all Illinoisans that need to know their voice remains heard during the budget impasse.

Rep. Batinick stated, “It’s time for us to get past ‘talking points’. It’s time for both sides to promote their solutions. Although my local Democratic colleagues were unable to attend, yesterday’s event was an effort to not only bring the budget process to my constituents, but bring my ideas that I’d like to see enacted for the betterment of Illinois, and also hear the concerns and ideas of all attendees. Among the participants were disability service workers and patients, economic minds and just concerned residents coming out as part of their civic determination. This open discussion is what Illinois needs now. Some would have us cling to opposing sides to maintain their own power, but I don’t see progress in that.”

Local Plainfield resident Dale Fontana, originally of Chicago, was very happy that a State Representative would make themselves available in such a way. “I appreciate Mark educating and informing us about the machinations of Springfield, as a first-year legislator. It was a bit disconcerting to watch video from the House Floor, as it became clear that any new ideas, away from the status quo, are strictly held in check by those that have held power for many years. Yet I remain hopeful knowing there are people in office that want to talk to their constituents and their colleagues in a way that can build progress for Illinois’ short and long term future.”

Frank DiBartolomeo, President and CEO for the Service of Will, Grundy & Kankakee Counties, Inc., said, “I appreciated Representative Batinick’s willingness to have a frank discussion about the details of the issues. He faced the hard questions and was open to a real conversation.”

Due to the success of the event, and in an effort to have a bipartisan panel, Representative Batinick has indicated he will hold another public discussion in the coming weeks.