McLean County Times

Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said he believes the General Assembly is close to a compromise in a recent statement supporting Gov. Bruce Rauner’s call for a special session to end the budget impasse.

“I applaud Governor Rauner for ordering a special session,” Barickman said in his statement. “Republicans have made major concessions in our recent budget and reform plan, and I believe a good bipartisan compromise is even closer than it was when Democrats walked away from negotiations in May.”

Republican lawmakers have proposed a budget plan that balances the Senate Democrats' tax hikes with a four-year property tax freeze and reforms like term limits for state lawmakers and officials. The special session will continue through June 30 or until a deal is reached. Fiscal year 2018 begins on July 1. 

If no budget deal is made, the state will enter an unprecedented third year without a full budget and face the likelihood of another credit downgrade, according to reports.

“I look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues to pass a balanced budget, create a more equitable funding system for all Illinois schools, and improve our abysmal jobs climate,” Barickman said in his statement.