State Representative Mike
Unes (R-East Peoria) said he was encouraged by some of what Governor Quinn said
during his budget address Wednesday, especially the fact that no new programs
were rolled out and the elimination and combination of boards and commissions
in Illinois.
The Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2014 is $35.6 billion, which is an increase from last year’s budget. Yesterday, the House adopted a revenue estimate framework of $35.081 billion.
“The budgeting process becomes very easy when you pad the numbers at the front end, but that is the kind of cruel game that must end in Illinois,” said Rep. Unes on Wednesday from Springfield, “Especially when you know the money won’t be there at the end of the day.”
Illinois still has serious fiscal challenges, which are highlighted by the State’s $9 billion backlog of unpaid bills. Meanwhile Governor Quinn has proposed spending almost $2 billion more than was spent in last years’ budget.
“I wish we would have heard more from the Governor today regarding ways we can grow the economy and create more jobs,” said Rep. Unes. “More needs to be done to promote economic growth in Illinois. The pro-growth jobs package that I have supported would be a great first step to growing jobs in Illinois. This is a way we can grow revenues and get people back to work.”
“Last year we passed important, common sense measures to begin reining in out-of-control costs from our Medicaid system. However, the Quinn administration has failed to implement most of the cost-saving measures and today has called for a massive increase in the Medicaid system. Implementing these cost-saving measures will save our state hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Unes.
