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Local Republican politicians assured constituents at a Saturday night fundraising event they are taking action to fix Illinois' budget issues.

Rock Island County Republicans hosted a Lincoln Day Dinner in Moline to raise funds for party candidates and operations. About 175 people participated in the dinner and auction events.

Addressing the group, state Rep.Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, asserted Republicans aren't afraid of being verbal about the budget. "We're not pretending that it's not an issue," she said.

According to Rep. McCombie, last week the Illinois House of Representatives approved $295 million in funds. "I voted 'no' for all of these," she said. "Fiscally, we can't afford any new programs, no matter how good they are."

State Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Rock Island, agreed, saying the budget in its current state is "bleeding."

"We have to make sure we're focused on budgeting for a full year," Sen. Anderson said, "instead of piece-mealing something together."

He also acknowledged the state is in "this mess" because of both sides. "It's going to take both sides to get this done," he said.

Sen. Anderson said eight of the 13 bills he recently introduced have passed and that they"represent the values of our region." Rep. McCombie assured constituents she is traveling her district and reported she has proposed four bills in her first 100 days in office.

Both speakers thanked those in attendance for their support and requested feedback.

About 15 protesters stood outside the event at the Viking Club at 1450 41st St. toward the beginning of the event. Some of the protesters indicated they were representatives from public service employee union AFSCME.

Read more from the original source:
Republican leaders emphasize budget issues at Lincoln Day dinner - Quad-Cities Online