Illinois Stopgap Budget Sustains Road Projects for 6 Months

Temporary budget patch keeps schools open and the government operating after 18 months without a state budget but leaves the future uncertain

Chicago Tribune
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Illinois political leaders cut a deal on a makeshift budget Thursday to keep state government afloat for six months, ensure schools open this fall and rescue the financially struggling Chicago Public Schools — a temporary reprieve to the stalemate that's gripped the Capitol for a year and a half.

The deal sustains 800 road and bridge projects, worth about $2 billion and employing an estimated 25,000 workers.

Supporters were quick to note that the heavy lifting on a more complete budget lies ahead. The legislation does nothing to reduce the state's $8 billion bill backlog and is likely to add to it because there are no new ways to pay for the additional spending.

(more on Illinois budget stop gap . . . )

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