SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Senate agreed with a vote made in the Illinois House earlier this week to supplement the 2012 FY budget with an extra $2.1 Billion boost. In a 38 to 15 vote, only one Senate Republican - Sam McCann of Carlinville - voted for HB 190.
When in the House, all Republicans and eight Democrats voted against the bill. Freshman State Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington) explained why he voted against the measure:
“This bill is all that is wrong with Springfield” McSweeney stated shortly after his vote against the Democrats hand crafted, supplemental appropriation bill which includes new special interest spending. “If legislators want to increase spending, they should identify ways to cut spending to pay for it. Let's have a vote on every line item instead of combining everything into a last minute massive bill that won't allow us to pay down our $9 billion of unpaid bills. For example, I would support additional standalone mental health spending, but only if we pay for it with other spending cuts."
McSweeney filed a query to determine how the proposal fit within Illinois' balanced budget requirement.
“Let’s fix the real problem - state pensions. Let’s have that discussion on the floor. The Supplemental Appropriation bill is merely enabling the Democratic leaders of this state to spend more money that we don't have. Illinois is insolvent. Let's do our job and cut spending."
Of the Illinois House's 71 Democrats and 47 Republicans. 63 Dems voted yes.
Of the 40 Senate Democrats, all voted yes and of the 19 Republicans, 15 voted no. McCann voted yes and Barickman, Dillard and Luecheteld did not vote. Democrats Hutchinson and Raoul did not vote. McCann's explanation will be reported as soon as his response is received.
