Rock Island Today

Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) said he didn't really believe rumors that House Democrats would work together to block a budget agreement as long as Gov. Bruce Rauner is in office.

Until Wednesday.

“The failure of the legislature to set a revenue estimate and pass a budget certainly feeds this conspiracy theory and brings it into the realm of reasonable presumption,” Swanson posted on his website. “Had the legislature sent this Governor budgets, of any kind, they could make a better case that responsibility for this mess rests with the Executive co-equal branch, but by failing to pass a revenue estimate and a budget, it is clear that the legislative branch has failed in fulfilling its Constitutional Duty. Full stop.”

The regular spring session ended on Wednesday, but a special session that can continue until June 30 is expected to be held. The new fiscal year stars on July 1.

“It’s the path forward prescribed by our Constitution and it’s disgusting that so many of my colleagues are not taking their Oath of Office seriously,” Swanson wrote. “I certainly do and am hoarse from calling for action and reasonable compromise, within the lawful framework with which we have sworn to adhere.”