State Senator Dale Righter was in Springfield this week holding budget hearings as part of the Appropriations Committee. Sen Righter said that goal is to save the state some money, not just by slashing budgets, but rather by giving agencies the tools “to do things differently,” Righter said. “That requires legislation by the General Assembly and the Governor which means getting the Democratic majority to sign onto reform ideas that help us save money and that’s a piece of this that’s not talked about enough.”
While talk about the Grand Bargain Deal has diminished somewhat, Righter says conversations and negotiations are still ongoing despite Governor’s withdrawal of support. He says that the Governor’s input is simply part of the process and could lead to something getting done in the future.
Overall Sen. Righter is optimistic about budget process moving forward. “The questions that I’m asking in there budget hearings are designed to find new ways to save money.” Righter said. Each money saving effort continues to carve into the state’s budget deficit.
You can hear a full interview with Sen. Righter here.