The House speaker’s proposal to hike taxes on small businesses failed to garner the 71 necessary “yes” votes needed to pass out of the House on April 20.

In light of the Illinois General Assembly’s refusal to pass a balanced budget, the Unbalanced Budget Response Act is a prudent measure that would temporarily allow the governor to shift funds and reduce spending to balance the state’s budget.

Illinois’ budget gridlock has prevented the state from making payments on some 200 auto liability claims worth $560,000.

More than two-thirds of fiscal year 2016 has passed with the state lacking an overall budget.

Full transcript of Governor Bruce Rauner​’s 2016 budget address, as prepared for delivery to the General Assembly on Feb. 17, 2016.