There’s mixed reaction today from area legislators following Governor Bruce Rauner’s second State of the State Address Wednesday. Rauner didn’t talk about Illinois seven-month past-due budget, but he did say there’s ways to cut costs. Some lawmakers say they’re skeptical of the governor’s agenda. State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says there is still a lot of work to be done. ‘’He talked about education. He talked about making reforms and other things, all good. But what I sense from him is we’ve got to find a balance, and we don’t have a balance today. It’s going to take compromise.” Senator Jason Barickman said in a press release he’s optimistic lawmakers will get budget issues resolved. ‘’We face huge challenges in this state which everyone is aware of, and the path forward is going to require compromises from both political parties. I think the message of the Governor today is that he’s ready to do that. I think Republicans have said look – we think there are some important reforms that are necessary, but we’re also willing to make compromises with you – the majority party. And, hopefully, this year – the results of this year – are unbelievably different than last year,’’ Barickman said. Senator Sue Rezin said it’s a challenge, but “there can be light at the end of the tunnel. Even with the issues, the governor is positive about where we can go.” Rezin said it was refreshing to hear the governor put the taxpayers first. The area legislators say they are anxious to get the budget issues resolved so the state can move forward. Bennett added, the upcoming budget address should be real interesting too. 94.1 WGFA