Governor Blagojevich signs one-month budget bill to meet state's needs through July

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed a one-month budget bill that will ensure critical government services are provided to the people of Illinois through the month of July as fiscal year 2008 budget negotiations continue.  The interim budget, passed by the Illinois General Assembly as HB3920, largely funds state operations consistent with fiscal year 2007 levels and sunsets on July 31.

 

"This one month emergency budget I signed keeps state operations running.  While it was imperative to avert a potential shut down, passing a one month budget does not solve our state's problems, and a continued string of one-month extensions would lead to deep and harmful cuts in health care, under-funding education, and threatening the security of worker pensions.  With the budget negotiations at a stalemate, we now have an opportunity for a fresh start.  In November, the voters elected us to enact policies reflecting our Democratic principles - funding education, helping families afford health care and easing the burdens on the middle class.  We need to get to work on a budget that achieves these goals. That is what the people elected us to do," said Gov. Blagojevich.

 

State agencies, boards, commissions, universities and community colleges have been appropriated operating funds consistent with the fiscal year 2007 budget.  All contractual obligations will be met with this appropriation, including employee salaries and debt service.  Appropriations for the retirement systems will be provided according to the certified levels for fiscal year 2008.