“I think I speak for all Illinoisans when I say that we should not be in such a dire position that we must consider stopping payments to state employees. Sadly, it appears that hard-working state employees may soon be the next victim of Illinois’ lack of a budget. In the senate, we are doing our jobs and working on a budget framework. It is time for Governor Rauner to do his job as it is mandated by the Illinois Constitution and present the legislature with a budget. I will continue to do my job by fighting for a budget that invests in the people of Illinois, protects working families and preserves the collective bargaining rights of our workers.

“If there is not a budget by February 28, state government will shut down. In 2013, when I worked for then-Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, I witnessed a shutdown at the federal level. Over 700,000 government employees were put on unpaid leave and services ground to a halt. National parks were closed, benefit payments to veterans were delayed, and non-profit organizations were forced to stop providing services due to lack of funding. A shutdown would have devastating effects on Illinois. Some of the negative effects of a shutdown would include closing of government offices that administer important services such as the secretary of state’s office, diminishing state police patrols and suspending road construction and maintenance projects. In short, a government shutdown would make life more difficult for Illinoisans of all walks of life. With so many people already in crisis, especially among our most vulnerable populations, this would be truly devastating.”