Kotowski Leads on Passage of State Budget Cuts
Spending Cuts total more than $750 Million
SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Dan Kotowski (D–Park Ridge) worked with colleagues in the
State Senate to pass a package of legislation Friday which will reduce spending by more than
$750 million compared to Governor Pat Quinn’s introduced budget.
As Appropriations II Committee Chairman, Senator Kotowski sponsored about half of the
appropriations bills that passed on Friday.
“We have made considerable progress in reducing state spending,” Senator Kotowski said. “We are forcing the state of Illinois to live within its means, spending based on available revenues. For several months we have held numerous hearings with testimony from state agencies and departments leading to these budget cuts. As we continue this process we will keep collaborating with all parties that are interested in making budget cuts to restore fiscal health to our state and save taxpayer dollars.”
The Senate is currently in the third phase of the historic spending reforms that became law earlier this year. The first phase was completed in March when the State Senate identified available revenues. The passage of Senate Joint Resolution 29 put the fiscal year 2012 revenue estimate at $34.28 billion. In the second phase, the state paid its mandatory financial obligations, including the state pension obligation, which allows the Senate to properly determine what revenue is actually available for agencies and programs. In the third phase, the state allocates funds to agencies and programs based on their impact and return on investment to Illinois taxpayers.
“Now that the Senate has passed the majority of its budget,” Kotowski said. “We will work with the House of Representatives to reach a consensus on state spending.”
###
Print or download this press release:
Senator Kotowski Leads on Passage of State Budget Cuts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Friday, May 13, 2011 Lee Whack (217) 782‐0995
lwhack@senatedem.ilga.gov
