The GA's failure to come up with a balanced budget has resulted in the start of a second straight fiscal year without a state budget. The Governor today has ordered lawmakers back to Springfield to work on a budget. The Democrats can't work together and all have pet projects so we'll see how long this special session lasts. Given all the infighting last year I think it is safe to say they will be in Springfield a long, long time.
Governor calls lawmakers back to Springfield
Posted by David Mendell at 12:35 p.m.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Wednesday called state lawmakers back to Springfield for a session next week to make changes to a state budget that he has so far refused to sign.
Blagojevich is trying to take political advantage of the House and Senate decision to send him a budget that may be $2 billion out of balance.
The governor called the special session for the House and Senate for July 9 and 10. But he is clearly aiming his pressure at House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago).
Madigan's House Democrats have refused to pass legislation that Blagojevich wants. That includes selling $16 billion in bonds to shore up pension plans and free up spending pressure in the new fiscal year that started July 1. He also wants them to pass a multi-billion dollar public works program.
Unlike 2007's yearlong budget impasse, this spring the House and Senate Democrats joined together to pass the shaky budget. But the House refused to go along with the Senate on a variety of proposals to help cover the proposed spending.
Madigan has said the governor should use his amendatory veto power to cut the budget if he thinks there is not enough revenue for it. Blagojevich does not want to take the political pain that would come from making huge spending cuts
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