If there is no budget deal in Illinois by Friday, Governor Bruce Rauner has announced that he will keep lawmakers in special session until an accord is reached. NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern has more on whether residents should be optimistic about a budget deal being reached before Friday’s deadline.
Illinois Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno abruptly resigned Thursday afternoon, saying she had done “everything I can do to resolve the state’s budget crisis.”
The 41st District representative said in a news release she was proud of her accomplishments during the time she led the Illinois Senate Republicans and thankful for her colleagues in both parties, staff and family.
“I have particularly enjoyed my friendship and working relationship with Senate President John Cullerton that began the day we were chosen as Leaders of our respective caucuses,” Radogno said.
She will continue her efforts to work on the budget during the state’s special session as a June 30 deadline looms, she says.
“Though I leave political office with a sense of sadness and some disappointment, I leave with no regrets,” she said. “I did my best – that’s all I could do. It has been a privilege to serve.”
Gov. Bruce Rauner released a statement following Radogno's announcment later in the afternoon.
“It's been an honor and a privilege to work alongside Leader Radogno these last two years as we continue to try to improve the lives of the people of Illinois," Rauner siad. "She is a consummate professional and public servant, who has championed fiscal responsibility and human services that help our most vulnerable residents. While she will be sorely missed, Diana and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
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Radogno’s resignation is effective July 1.
