SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Many Central Illinois' legislators we talked to after Governor Pat Quinn's budget address say they were disappointed in the lack of details, especially in regards to pension and medicaid payments.
And some lawmakers say they disagree with any extra spending.
State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth, (D) 92nd District, says although she is a big advocate for education reform, the proposed $70 million in extra school funding do not solve the state's bigger financial issues.
"If we're not able to deal with the gravity of the medicaid reforms and the pension reforms, no, I don't think talking about any additional new money in education is acceptable," said Rep. Gordon-Booth.
Other lawmakers applauded Quinn's address, calling it a "wakeup call" for serious action to balance the budget.
State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, (R) Illinois, says he was pleased Quinn set a deadline for the pension working group.
"I thought I heard the Governor say that he wanted to have it fulfilled this spring session of the General Assembly," said Rutherford. "If that can be done, then I consider this to be a success. I intend to use every resource and tool I have, personally, politically, and in the government, to help bring it to that conclusion. It must be done."
Despite differences, both sides of the General Assembly say any kind of change will take one thing: a bi-partisan effort.
Spring session comes to a close at the end of May.
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