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Illinois residents hope President Obama’s visit will push lawmakers to agree on state budget

President Barack Obama’s visit to Springfield, Illinois drew a massive crowd on Wednesday, February 10, 2016.

President Barack Obama's visit to Springfield, Illinois drew a massive crowd on Wednesday, February 10, 2016.

Countless residents braved the cold hoping to catch a glimpse of the president.  As he addressed local lawmakers, President Obama noted that "this is where it all started nine years ago" back when he announced his candidacy for president. 

Those awaiting his speech hoped that his address would touch on the ongoing Illinois budget debacle.

"Hopefully he at least encourages them to try to work together a little more than what they have been," said one Illinois resident.

The budget impasse has had an impact on many services and programs across the state, forcing them to close.

"I go to WIU and we just had to lay off 50 of the best professors we have so yeah I think it's much needed that he's here," said a student.

Click here to see what President Obama had to say during his speech. 

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