After reviewing the budget, Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced his budget experts determined the Fiscal Year 2009 budget is unconstitutional due to the $2.1 billion that would be spent which would not be supported by revenue. The General Assembly passed the budget on Saturday, however, legislature must pass a balanced budget according to the Illinois State Constitution.

“As consumer prices go up and wages stay the same, households across Illinois and across the whole country are making tough decisions. Some people may cut back on expenses, or pick up extra shifts at work – whatever it takes to make ends meet. Our lawmakers should take the same responsible approach when it comes to budgeting the public’s resources. Unfortunately, because the House did not pass new revenue as the Senate did, I have a budget on my desk that jeopardizes the State’s ability to meet its core responsibilities like providing healthcare, educating our youth and protecting the public,” Blagojevich said in a press release.

Blagojevich plans to call the four legislative leaders together to work to fulfill the constitutional requirements and state needs by July 1 which marks the start of Fiscal Year 2009.