State reps, senators urge Madigan to call House back to session

A group of Central Illinois legislators gathered inside Normal’s Uptown Station Friday to call on House Speaker Michael Madigan to bring the Illinois House back into session.

The chamber isn’t schedule to return to Springfield until April 4.

State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) said he’s proposed legislation to fund higher education and MAP grants, but that’s fallen on deaf ears so far.

“We cannot get those bills called if we cannot be in Springfield to do the work of the people,” Brady said.

State Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) said it’s “amazing” they’re not in Springfield right now.

“We should be in Springfield until this is done. Things do not have to be this way,” said Bennett. “We may not get a budget, perhaps, until January of next year.” WJBC has the story.