Illinois pharmacist and businessman Jason Kasiar, running as Republican House candidate for District 118, responded to the crisis in Springfield recently on his Facebook page, posting that “Education is not a game, it's a priority.”
“Our students, teachers, and taxpayers deserve better than broken promises and inaction from career politicians,” Kasiar stated following recent statements by Gov. Bruce Rauner describing the stopgap budget as a first step. “It's time to put an end to the party politics and finger pointing. It's time to get something done and pass a balanced budget that fully funds education.”
Rauner recently thanked state Republican leaders for their role in forcing Democrats to compromise on crucial budget points after earlier attempts failed.
“Let’s be clear: This is just a small step in the process of making Illinois strong and healthy and vibrant,” Rauner said. “This is a small step in the right direction. This is not … a balanced budget (or) a solution to our long-term challenges. This is a bridge to reform.”
At the very least, the interim bipartisan-crafted plan will keep schools open and state services operational until the election in November. Rauner expressed cautious optimism and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Dist. 41) clarified that the temporary solution will not include a bailout of Chicago’s schools.
“It's time we had leaders focused on solving problems for Southern Illinois, not their party leadership or next election,” Kasiar, who owns and operates Beck’s Drugs in Eldorado and announced his candidacy in February said. “We deserve better. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Right now.”
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