The following statement was issued by state Rep. Silvana Tabares, D-Chicago, in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s annual budget address on Wednesday: “Today, Governor Rauner had an opportunity to unite legislators on both sides of the aisle to end the ongoing budget impasse, yet he chose not to do so. The governor’s extreme political agenda took priority over the well-being of hardworking Illinois families. His refusal to compromise or to focus on a balanced approach has forced the budget impasse to drag on for nearly eight months.”

“Despite the way the governor is acting, the budget impasse is a serious problem. Domestic violence shelters are closing their doors, at-risk women are not able to get the breast cancer screenings they need and seniors are being told that their state-funded meal programs are no longer available. Governor Rauner’s inflexibility has forced social service organizations all over the state to begin closing their doors, and this will only get worse if the impasse continues.”

“The governor needs to start focusing on what is best for the residents of this state. They are not responsible for the political gridlock in Springfield, and yet they are the ones being hurt the most by it. It is time for the governor to stop fixating on a platform that will continue to drive down wages and hurt middle-class families, and start actually listening to the people he represents. This state and its residents have suffered more than enough.”