SPRINGFIELD — State Representative John Cavaletto (R-Salem) joined his House colleagues today in passing an emergency budget solution to balance the $1.6 billion State budget shortfall.

The legislation unanimously passed a chamber committee Tuesday morning and heads to the full floor. It would authorize Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to transfer $1.3 billion from other purposes, including parks and conservation. The rest would come from a 2.25 percent across-the-board budget cut. It also gives the governor authority over $97 million to distribute to needy schools.

Senate Democrats advanced their own plan earlier this month, but it has failed to clear the chamber. Tuesday’s House measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Lawmakers face a fast-approaching deadline to act as money runs out for subsidized childcare programs, prisons and court reporters.

If immediate action is not taken, the State will be unable to make payroll for a number of services and money for other services for the mentally ill and the developmentally disabled would run out.  

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