Much conversation in our state has centered on the budget crisis in Illinois and the possible solution through budget cuts, revenue enhancements or both. Unfortunately, every day that we continue to talk without any resolution to this growing problem, the families of Illinois continue to suffer.

Now that the election is over, the path to success is through a renewed bi-partisan effort that attends to our state’s most needy. We can only repair our mounting $15 billion deficit through a combination of reforms, cuts and new revenue.

During the current veto session, Senate President Cullerton created two new bipartisan committees to address much needed reforms to the state’s Medicaid program and worker’s compensation laws. Changes in both areas could net the state a substantial amount in savings.

We know that we will not be able find a budget solution without thoroughly examined cuts. But we must also keep in mind that the legislature has already cut $3 billion over the last two years out of the state budget. The Department of Human Services alone is currently facing $28 million in cuts to grants for the developmentally disabled and $45 million in cuts to community based mental health programs. In August of this year, a record 780,000 families in our state were relying on food stamps to put food on their table, an increase of 11.9% from last year. Everyone must make sacrifices, including lawmakers. However, we cannot allow those who can least afford it to carry the burden of those sacrifices.

Governor Quinn has purposed a one percent education surcharge on state corporate and personal income tax rates to prevent further cuts to education. The plan would raise $3 billion in revenue towards education funding and property tax relief. I support this plan, and believe that it is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. We desperately need to fund our education system in the state, but we cannot neglect the human service programs that families also rely on.

Governor Quinn’s proposal and President Cullerton’s reforms are steps in the right direction, but we cannot support minimal solutions. Our state continues to turn in a carousel rotation and until we have all options on the table, we will not see ourselves move forward. I call on all legislators to have an open mind to each proposal for reforms, cuts, and revenue enhancements. It is time that the governor and the legislature do their job and what is right for the people of Illinois by supporting policies that resolve our budget crisis.