SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While legislators continued their summer recess, new developments emerged concerning the state budget this week, which legislative leaders - including Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson - have been working on since session's end.

On Tuesday, June 24 Governor Rod Blagojevich said he would dramatically cut the state budget unless the Illinois House approved several revenue sources to offset a nearly $2 billion gap between state spending and revenues. A deadline was given for the House to act by July 9, the date the state will not have the revenue to pay certain bills. State Comptroller Dan Hynes reaffirmed the time crunch, sending a letter on June 26 to state officials cautioning that failure to approve a budget by July 10 could result in missed paychecks for state employees.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While the summer break continues for the Illinois General Assembly, a lot of work is still being done while not in session, said State Senator Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake). Budget talks are still underway, two senators kicked off their tour of Illinois’ correctional facilities and several new laws will go into effect beginning July 1.

State budget negotiations do continue between Gov. Rod Blagojevich and legislative leaders, including Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson. Lawmakers are attempting to close a $2 billion gap in proposed state spending and projected revenues. A meeting schedule this week was canceled because of the flooding crisis in central Illinois.

 Our offices have been working with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) in an attempt to ensure you have access to the latest updated flood information.  Please remember to periodically check back with us as the flood situation continues to change.  

According to IEMA, the National Weather Service is predicting the Fox River to crest near Algonquin on Wednesday, June 18. As of approximately 10:15 a.m., the river was 2.5 feet over flood stage and slowly rising. For continued updates on flooding in McHenry County please visit: http://www.weather.gov/alerts/il.html#ILC111.LOTFLSLOT.144100

Crystal Lake- Senator Pamela Althoff (R- Crystal Lake) is participating in flood prevention meetings with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. The teleconference meetings are occurring twice a day, every day for two weeks.

“We have already seen the devastating impact flood waters can have on our area,” Althoff said, “It is important that we coordinate with IEMA so we have a plan to deal with our current flooding and to coordinate our resources.”