Governor Ryan Commends Senate for Special Session Action

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan issued the following statement after the Illinois Senate finished its special session review of the Governor's line item and reduction vetoes:

"I want to commend the Illinois Senate for sustaining 90 percent of the line item and reduction vetoes we needed to make.

"Senators had to make tough votes to approve painful but necessary cuts to the state budget. I especially want to commend the Senate Republicans for taking the lead in sustaining most of the cuts which will save about $450 million.

"These were difficult cuts that no one wanted to make, but it was what we needed to do in the face of the worst revenue picture this state has seen in nearly 50 years. Because of the strong action tonight, we will be able to provide the important core services of state government like health care for the poor and educating our children.

"I now look forward to House action on the funding restored in the Senate."

The Illinois Senate sustained more than 200 vetoes worth nearly $450 million, both records. The previous high was the $350 million sustained during the 1988 veto session.