By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News

I had the opportunity to sit down with State Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) to talk about the state’s future plans as we try to hash out a budget for the new fiscal year.

State Representative Tom Bennett said the state of Illinois is not where it needs to be and time is running out.

“We still have a lot of work ahead of us, the budget is front and center as it should be as far as getting things resolved. We definitely have a lot of work cut out for us, but we are not where we need to be,” said Bennett.

Bennett said if a decision isn’t made soon, many people will suffer.

“We will see the checks stop, funding for service providers will cease, child care programs will stop, LIHEAP will cease, things are just ugly,” said Bennett.

However, for now, Bennett said some things will stay open in the mean time: prisons with correctional officers on duty, state police will stay on duty, the emergency management personnel will continue to work, some health services and human services will be mandated by the federal government, and the Federal Courts will stay open.

Bennett still remains hopeful that the state gets what’s best for it, regardless of the outcome.

Bennett said, “In Springfield, things can change quickly. If we can get the right parties together and work through this, I think we can resolve this and get a discussion going.”

Bennett said the state hasn’t had a balanced budget in 10 years.

The General Assembly will be back in session next Wednesday.

In other news, Illinois military vets can get a special designation on their state driver’s license.

Secretary of State Jesse White said former members of the military can have the word “veteran” displayed on their license or state ID card.

He added that vets would then be able to get the benefits and discounts that they are entitled to.

In order to get this designation, veterans would first need to get certification from the state department of Veteran Affairs. They would then need to update or renew their license at a local driver’s facility.

In other news, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced yesterday that it is partnering with Illinois State Police and more than 270 law enforcement agencies as part of an Independence Day crackdown on drunk driving and seat belt law violators.

During the two-week enforcement campaign, which began June 22nd and lasts through Sunday, motorists will see an increased effort to improve safety with hundreds of additional patrols, including roadside safety checks and seat belt enforcement zones.

Jared Thornley, Director of IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety said this weekend is meant to celebrate our independence but reminds all Illinois residents to enjoy this holiday weekend safely.