Illinois lawmakers say they could go a full year without reaching a deal on the state's budget.
On Thursday, January 21, 2016, Rep. Mike Smiddy and Rep. Pat Verschoore met with leaders of local social service agencies, including Project NOW, Transitions Mental Health Services, Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging and the Rock Island County Health Department.
Nearly seven months into the current fiscal year, Illinois still doesn't have a budget, and the groups say the stalemate is taking a toll.
The Rock Island County Health Department has had to lay off one employee and leave nine other positions vacant due to the lack of a budget.
"What a sad day, what a sad year," said Barb Eskildsen, executive director of the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging. "There are 3,203 seniors without home-delivered meals now because of the impasse."
Thursday, Democratic lawmakers insisted the impasse continues because Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has been unwilling to compromise.
"He's a bully. For lack of a better word, he's a bully," said Verschoore.
"It's going to take the leadership to also go along with what the rank-and-file legislators are talking about, and if that doesn't happen, then we could be in this mess for quite a long time," said Smiddy.
In response, the Governor's office issued this statement:
"Unfortunately, Reps. Verschoore and Smiddy continue to vote in lock-step with Speaker Madigan -- supporting the same failed policies which have sent Illinois into an economic death spiral. We encourage Reps. Verschoore and Smiddy to break from Speaker Madigan and support structural reforms that will help turn our state around rather than placing another massive tax increase on the hardworking men and women of Illinois."
Meanwhile, local agency leaders say they don't care who's to blame -- they just want an agreement.
"My plea is to the Governor of Illinois, to all legislators, whether they be Republican or Democrat. Reach across the aisle. Talk to each other. Do your jobs," said Eskildsen.
Both Verschoore and Smiddy said they are hopeful a deal can be reached in the upcoming session, but this year's budget may have to be tied into one for next year.