What State Budget?

In Springfield this week the Illinois House defeated a measure that would have allowed people to use marijuana for relief of chronic pain.

The medical marijuana bill got 53 votes, but needed 60 to pass. Another 59 lawmakers voted against it, and one voted present.

Sponsoring Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, argued the measure was aimed at giving people in pain a better quality of life, particularly after doctors have tried multiple medications that have not helped a person suffering from a debilitating illnesses.

Gov. Pat Quinn previously expressed support for the idea, saying those who are seriously ill should have access to any medical treatments that may help relieve their pain.

But no word on the State budget or the massive debt the State is facing. Illinois has a huge back log of unpaid bills but the State Legislature would rather work on medical marijuana and same sex marriage. Does the State of Illinois have to declare bankruptcy before the law makers in Springfield start to do something about it?