In the News

Illinois Radio Network, May 25, 2010

A group of state lawmakers say there must be a change in the way the state creates and manages its budget.

State Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) says there must be long-term budget reforms. She says the state must revamp the budget process and include "credible" forecasting of short- and long-term revenues.

"We must think of our state as in training for a fiscal reform marathon," Garrett told reporters in Chicago.

She says budget reforms should also include performance targets, ongoing measurement of results and establishing a total annual expenditure.

State Rep. Carol A. Sente (D-Vernon Hills), Garrett and eight other lawmakers have proposed over $1.3 billion in budget cuts ahead of a vote on the Fiscal Year 2011 state budget.