It's event that's usually all about having fun, but organizers say it's hard not to talk about it.
On Sunday, July 12th, 2015, the Moline Democrats held their annual picnic at Malmstrom Park.
Candidates, constituents, and even Congresswoman Cheri Bustos was there to enjoy a meal and good conversation.
The talk quickly turned to the Illinois budget... or lack there of. Don Johnston, 17th District Democratic State Committeeman, says it's hard not to discuss what's going on in Springfield and how it could impact people in the Quad Cities.
"I'm also a Township Supervisor and we do a lot of general assistance and it would actually surprise people how many individuals and families live paycheck to paycheck and really can't survive very long without some kind of incoming funding. It's really sad - even the thought of it - and those types of individuals are scared to death that this is going to happen and they will not get a paycheck through no fault of their own. Through the fault of elected officials, including myself, who just can't seem to get together and solve the problem."
Last week, the Illinois House approved a temporary budget plan that would fund the state until August 1st, 2015. It now goes to the Illinois Senate, which will be back in session on Tuesday, July 14th, 2015.
"They got to come up with something and come up with it soon, but I'm not sure what the answer is," said Johnston. "You have a Republican Governor. You have a Legislature that's dominated by Democrats. We just have to find a way to get along better in what we do and to compromise our ideas a little bit."
"It's easy to blame one side or the other, but it's usually a combination of things that is the cause of it and it will certainly take a combination of things to solve it," he continued. "Illinois obviously has major financial problems and there's going to be some pain, but the longer we wait to get started at solving the problem the harder it's going to be."
The Moline Democrats also hold an annual pancake breakfast every Spring.