Rockford Sun

Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) says a Republican budget plan is the compromise agreement that both sides of the aisle have been waiting for, according to a press release.

“These bills represent a return to where we were in negotiations before Democrats walked away from the table,” Syverson said in the statement. “This is about things that we can agree on and how we can move forward toward a real resolution.”

Illinois is facing a possible third straight year without a full-year budget. The General Assembly's current special session can continue until June 30, the end of fiscal year 2017. Without a budget in place, the state stands to have its credit rating downgraded again, possibly to junk bond status.

Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) | http://www.senatordavesyverson.com/About/Biography

Syverson pointed out that the state is also missing out on vital opportunities for economic growth, such as a Rockford casino that is being prevented by the delay of a gaming expansion bill in the House.

“I am thankful that our Governor called us in for a special session; we should be in Springfield working on these proposals right now,” Syverson said in the statement. “I look forward to taking these bills up immediately, and I remain hopeful that Democrats will join us in these good faith negotiations.”