SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois Senate President John Cullerton issued the following statement regarding Governor Pat Quinn’s state of the state address:

“I commend the governor for highlighting the many accomplishments that we have made over the last few years. As he advances new initiatives to create jobs and improve the economy, I look forward to hearing how we can fund these important priorities within a balanced budget.

We have taken steps to address our fiscal crisis by reforming the budget process, capping spending and identifying saving through changes to Medicaid and the pensions systems. However, it is clear that we still have a long road ahead.

Rising pension and Medicaid costs will impede our ability to fund priority programs and keep our commitment to those who provide the state’s most critical services. I urge the governor to remain vigilant and constructive in finding the savings and cost controls needed to move the state toward a more sustainable path.”