Like many lawmakers, Representative Tom Bennett says the governor's budget address is a beginning, not an end.  Bennett said he approved of many of the governor's proposals, but it's hard to address specifics because so many voices have yet to be heard.  Bennett says the General Assembly's work is cut out for it.  

In his budget address yesterday, the governor focused on his proposals for pension reform, changes in education, and his ongoing pledge to make Illinois government more responsive to the taxpayers.  Rauner said Illinois was experiencing its "last best hope" for enacting real change.  

State Senator Jason Barickman says Governor Rauner's budget address was a sobering look at the state's situation.  So far, Barickman has been a strong supporter of the governor's actions, but he says it's important to remember that the budget discussion is just the beginning.