At this writing, the Illinois House has passed a stopgap budget fix, waiting for the Senate to act to keep government running till June 30. Many Statehouse watchers are so amazed and pleased that legislators and the governor can agree on anything, they forget what is being agreed. Schools and nursing homes are being cut. All state agencies are being cut. The road fund, and other special funds, are being raided. There is no reason for Illinois to be proud. The governor says this sets the stage for more money for roads and education, even more revenue to adequately fund state government long term. But it’s hard to see now how cuts and chaos like this lead to prosperity anytime soon. –Fletcher Farrar, editor and publisher
This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2015.
