THE ILLINOIS SENATE IS PASSING SOME INITIAL BUDGET BILLS FOR THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR.

THE PLAN COMES FROM THE DEMOCRATS…WHO SAY IT PAYS DOWN SOME DEBT…MAKES THE REQUIRED PENSION PAYMENT…AND FUNDS VITAL PROGRAMS. BUT IT’S BEING WIDELY PANNED BY REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS…LIKE SENATOR MIKE MURPHY OF PALATINE WHO SAYS THERE AREN’T ENOUGH CUTS.

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SENATE DEMOCRATS SAY THE BUDGET MAKES THE REQUIRED PENSION PAYMENTS…FUNDS IMPORTANT STATE PROGRAMS…AND RELIES ON MONEY SITTING IN RARELY USED SPECIAL FUNDS TO HELP PAY OLD BILLS. IT’S SUPPORTED BY SENATOR JEFF SCHOENBERG OF EVANSTON.

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THESE MEASURES DON’T TACKLE THE EQUALLY DAUNTING PROBLEM OF MEDICAID AND PENSION REFORM. THEY NOW GO TO THE HOUSE FOR CONSIDERATION.S