CHICAGO (June 30, 2015) – The state fiscal year ends today, but the governor and Illinois lawmakers still haven’t agreed to a new state budget. Today, the Illinois House is scheduled to hold a hearing on what a state government “shutdown” would look like – while Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has vowed to keep things open and operational as negotiations continue.

Budget and legislative experts at the Illinois Policy Institute are available to comment on the following:

• Why isn’t a state budget in place?
• Why haven’t state legislators and the governor been able to strike a deal?
• What does it mean for the average Illinoisan?
• Will Illinois government really “shut down”?
• How would a state government shutdown affect people?
• Why all the emphasis on having a balanced budget – and when was the last time Illinois had one?
• What’s ahead in the budget battle?
• How will this ultimately get resolved, and who will blink first?

Experts are available by phone, Skype, or in-person in Chicago and Springfield.
To book interviews, call or text 312-607-4977 or email nathaniel@illinoispolicy.org

EXPERTS AVAIL: 

• By phone:
  • John Tillman, CEO, Illinois Policy Institute
• In Springfield:
  • Kristina Rasmussen, executive vice president, Illinois Policy Institute
• In Chicago:
  • Ted Dabrowski, vice president of policy, Illinois Policy Institute
  • Matt Paprocki, vice president of government affairs/chief lobbyist for Illinois Policy Institute and Illinois Policy Action
  • Michael Lucci, director of jobs and growth, Illinois Policy Institute
  • Diana Rickert, vice president of communications, Illinois Policy Institute