Representative Wheeler Statement On State Budget

Springfield, IL…Amidst a growing financial crisis and dire fiscal outlook, Governor Quinn addressed a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly to outline his budget for Fiscal Year 2014.  State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) released this statement in response to the governor’s address:

 “Nineteen percent of Quinn’s budget is going towards pensions,” said Wheeler.  “We cannot continue down this path of unaffordable pensions while Democrats play political games with reform.  Our unfunded pension liability is growing every day, we have nearly $10 billion in unpaid bills, and the tax increase is about to expire.  We need to take serious action on pensions before Illinois tumbles over its own fiscal cliff.”