Dupage Policy Journal

State Sen. Christine Radogno (R-41st) said on Friday she is concerned that little progress has been made on the state's $1.6 billion budget deficit.

Radogno said state prisons, childcare facilities and other state programs are struggling to provide funding for vital services. She said Democratic leaders in the state House and Senate continue to postpone a resolution to repair the deficit.

"By failing to make accommodations for the expiration of their income tax hike, Democrat leaders knowingly approved an unbalanced budget last year that they admitted would severely underfund many state programs," Radogno said on her website.

The proposed budget has also underfunded the state Department of Juvenile Justice Aftercare program by $5.3 million, she said.

"As a result, kids are hanging in the balance who desperately need the rehabilitation services intended to promote positive reintegration in their community and reduce recidivism," she said.

Radogno also said the Department of Corrections will soon exhaust its funding to pay guards.

"Just as frustrating for Senate Republicans, rather than addressing the problem at hand, Democrat lawmakers continue to introduce billions of dollars in new legislative initiatives that the state cannot afford," she said. "Senate GOP legislators stress that the focus should be on funding the state’s current priorities rather than exploring new ways to spend taxpayer dollars."