“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.