House Speaker Mike Madigan’s cancellation of yesterday’s General Assembly session not only provoked ire among Illinois stakeholders -- including Rep. Reggie Phillips (R-Charleston), who is representing House District 110 -- but it drew nationwide attention from political factions, as well.
“We have work to do,” Phillips said this week via his Facebook page. “Balancing a budget and funding education are priorities, and once again, Speaker Michael Madigan has cancelled session. Secret meetings, backroom deals and constant spending beyond our revenue is business as usual with his leadership.”
Phillips appealed directly to his constituents, asking them to support the passage of HB 6585, a bill that would channel desperately needed resources to higher institutions of learning, and which has gained at least a dozen co-sponsors since its introduction on May 31 by Rep. Jim Durkin (R-82nd District).
“It's time we wake up and change this habit,” Phillips said. “Will you help me in fighting for higher education funding? HB 6585 provides immediate funding for higher education, but we need to be in session to have the bill called by Speaker Madigan.”
News of the cancelled session did not stop at the state borders. Politico, an Arlington County, Virginia-based organization covering politics and policy globally, commented on the “'mega' lobbying effort from Chicago” to pass Madigan’s $7 billion out-of-balance spending plan in the Senate earlier this week.
“Senate Democrats now face a crucial test,” Illinois GOP Spokesman Steven Yaffe said. “Will they put a halt to this madness, or will they cave to political boss Mike Madigan?”
The GOP itself commented, asking rhetorically whether voters approve of “Mike Madigan's 30-plus year reign over Springfield.”
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