Illinois governor calls lawmakers back to Capitol
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SPRINGFIELD — Despite few signs that the political logjam is loosening, Gov. Rod Blagojevich Wednesday called on lawmakers to return to the Capitol next week for another go-around on the state budget.
The governor urged the Illinois House to sign off on a number of proposals that could help close a $2 billion budget gap. The call for a special session came as the state entered its second day of the new fiscal year without a spending plan in place.
The governor’s decree is the latest chapter in a high-stakes game of political chicken between himself and House Speaker Michael Madigan
“I’m not overly encouraged that this will be productive,” said state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington.
Blagojevich said he was forced into calling for the special session because Madigan hadn’t yet taken any action to avert possible budget cuts.
“Since the House Democratic leaders have failed to call the House back to Springfield to pass these revenues, I must do the responsible thing for the state and call them back myself,” Blagojevich said.
In making the announcement, however, Blagojevich offered no new proposals that could end the stalemate.
For example, House Democratic leaders are skittish over Blagojevich’s proposal to raise $400 million by restructuring state pension programs because of instability in the nation’s economy.
If no additional money is approved, the governor says he’ll cut $1.5 billion out of the budget. Aid to poor people, Amtrak riders, hospitals, nursing homes and veterans would be affected.
Kurt Erickson can be contacted at (217) 789-0865 or kurt.erickson@lee.net.
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