Koehler: Governor’s office can’t explain how it would cut spending

• Budget

“Continuing to not have a budget is unacceptable” -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate are calling on their colleagues to focus solely on solving the state’s budget crisis after the governor managed to derail a bipartisan compromise.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) says passing a budget should be everyone’s top priority.

“Continuing to not have a budget is unacceptable,” said Koehler. “I do not know how the state can survive if we do not come to a reasonable compromise.”

A budget agreement negotiated between Senate President John Cullerton and Minority Leader Christine Radogno appeared to be ready for voting on until the governor began calling off Republican senators, saying the legislation didn’t go far enough to cut spending.

This week, Koehler and other committee chairs held hearings to allow agencies under the governor’s control to show where they could cut their budgets. Administration officials were unable to offer any specifics on how much they could cut.

“Governor Rauner has never submitted a balanced budget to the General Assembly, something he is constitutionally required to do,” said Koehler.

Koehler joins Senate colleagues to end budget impasse

“This two-year impasse has been long enough; it is time to act.” -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate voted to pass parts of a comprehensive package of legislation meant to end the historic two-year budget impasse. The legislation, commonly known as the “Grand Bargain,” was the result of months of negotiations between Senate President John Cullerton and Minority Leader Christine Radogno.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) voted for the legislation.

“The people contacting my office have made it clear that they want us to do our jobs and pass a budget,” Koehler said. “This two-year impasse has been long enough; it is time to act.”

The measures in the “Grand Bargain” include a plan to address the state’s budget deficit, local government consolidation measures and a budget for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The Senate passed the "Grand Bargain" after Governor Bruce Rauner failed to submit a balanced budget to the General Assembly, something the state constitution requires.

Koehler reflects on legacy of Bob Michel

“Bob Michel['s]... values of civility, compromise and compassion will be remembered by his ability to work across the aisle to do what was best for his district and the country.” -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

PEORIA – Long time Peoria Congressman Robert “Bob” Michel has passed away at the age of 93. Michel represented Central Illinois in Congress for 38 years and also served as the Republican leader for 14 years. State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), whose district includes Michel’s hometown of Peoria, issued the following statement:

“Bob Michel was a titan of Central Illinois politics. His Midwestern values of civility, compromise and compassion will be remembered by his ability to work across the aisle to do what was best for his district and the country.”

Michel served in the army during World War II in the 39th Infantry Regiment. During the war he participated in the D-Day landings at Normandy and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge.

Koehler: This isn't about special interests; this is about the state of Illinois

• Budget

"This isn't about special interests anymore; this is about the state of Illinois." -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD - Members of the General Assembly gathered to hear the governor’s annual budget address today. The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature every fiscal year.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

"What I heard today was bits and pieces of a budget. I am interested in seeing the whole thing. What is clear is we need a budget now. This isn't about special interests anymore; this is about the state of Illinois."

Illinois has been stuck in a two-year political stalemate, causing chaos among social service providers, universities and community colleges.