Metro East Sun

State Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) said it's time that the people of Illinois came first.

"Illinois' budget problems date back decades but providing actionable solutions to this longstanding roadblock is the key to real success for the future of our state," Bourne said in a video posted to YouTube on March 17. "What if we weren't given hundreds of pages of a budget at the last minute to review? Wouldn't it be great if our constituents actually had the time to review their state budget and how their taxpayer dollars were being spent before lawmakers vote on it? How about spending within our means?"

Until that time, Bourne fears Springfield will only be spending its wheels, to the further detriment of its already stressed-out residents.

"I believe that we have the tools to deliver responsible, fiscal leadership to the people of Illinois," Bourne said. "Think required balanced budget, mandating transparency within the budget process, saving our pension systems and increasing government efficiency. It's time that we right Illinois' fiscal ship and make the necessary changes to make our home the best place to live and work and raise a family. We need to reimagine Illinois as the very best state that it can be."

Bourne's comments come at a time when Republican lawmakers are pushing the Reimagine Illinois plan.

The Republican-driven Reimagine Illinois plan focuses on four principles: ending the culture of corruption; instituting responsible, fiscal leadership; growing jobs and public safety.