Illinois started its new fiscal year without a budget. If you think that doesn't affect you, you haven't been listening - much like our elected officials in Springfield.

The uncertainty discourages businesses from coming here or expanding, thereby worsening our economic problems. Local governments need to increase fees and taxes - or curtail services - when the state doesn't meet its obligations.

Even if we don't see immediate, direct effects, many of our friends and neighbors are seeing them.

There seems to be a feeling among many - particularly among politicians - that as long as the state government's lights are still on, the lack of a budget is no problem.

But it is a problem - a very serious problem for many.

The Occupational Development Center in Bloomington has closed its doors. That's a fact, not budget hysteria.

We mention that agency because it represents the most immediate and dramatic impact of the political games in Springfield. But ODC is not alone and we fear other agencies may follow - scaling back, if not shutting down, if this impasse continues.

And some may not reopen, even after the unreliable government resumes payments.

It's tempting in our anger and frustration to say those with nowhere to go should be left at the doorsteps and the offices of the governor and legislative leaders. But that would be using them as pawns in the same way as those who failed to enact a workable budget used them as pawns.

It was good to see Gov. Pat Quinn in Springfield, speaking directly to lawmakers - in stark contrast to his predecessor.

But his tone - saying, "We must not put off decisions until later in the summer or the fall or next winter. That's not what adults do." - did little to build bridges. It seems that Quinn, the longtime political outsider, still hasn't figured out how to be the man in charge.

Meanwhile, Senate President John Cullerton - while an improvement over his predecessor, Emil Jones - is off target in saying, "The Republicans clearly need some more time to come around to vote for the tax increase."

Republicans are not blameless here, but neither they - nor taxpayers - need more time. They need more action on reforms and structural changes in government that would provide assurance that money from any tax increase wouldn't be squandered.

Those being immediately affected by the impasse don't have time.

A "Band-aid budget" isn't the best option, but we have to stop the bleeding. Get back to Springfield and pass a temporary budget that continues funding at the same levels as the previous fiscal year for 60 days.

Then stay in session, put politics aside and craft a budget that lays a solid foundation for the future.

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