Governor Bruce Rauner gave his annual Budget Address to a special joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives of the 100th General Assembly.
The budget remains the biggest challenge to the state of Illinois, with the current impasse reaching almost its second year, and a backlog of unpaid bills climbing to $11.3 billion.
State Representative Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) was pleased the Governor recognized Republicans and Democrats are going to need to work together for anything to be accomplished.
State Senator Bill Brady was pleased the Governor once again called for a balanced budget. He calls the Governor's address positive.
In his Address, the Governor acknowledged the difficult position the state is in, but also noted significant progress that has been made through bipartisan compromise in the Senate.
The Governor also emphasized job creation as the cornerstone for economic growth, something for which the budget must account for.
