"Today, I am pleased the Illinois House of Representatives began the hard work of straightening out our dire state finances.  Today’s vote to balance the “unbalanced” FY 15 budget is a step in the right direction towards fiscal responsibility.  Governor Rauner inherited a $1.6 billion budget deficit the day he took office.  I am pleased to say that all House Republicans voted unanimously to solve this year’s deficit.  We did not vote for the original FY15 budget because it was flawed, but we are glad to be the ‘adults’ today with our votes.   More importantly, we are balancing this year’s budget without issuing any debt or taking out any loans.  I urge the Senate to move expeditiously and favorably."

-House Republican Leader Jim Durkin