State Rep. Mike Unes speaks to members of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® at their annual Public Policy Meetings in East Peoria on Jan. 19, 2016.

Members of the REALTOR® Political Involvement Committee were told that a two-year spending plan for the state appears more likely in light of the budget impasse.

REALTORS® Political Involvement Committee Vice Chair Christopher Tenggren and committee Chair Mabel Guzman in East Peoria, Jan. 19, 2016.

State Rep. Mike Unes, R-East Peoria, told those at the session at the IAR Public Policy Meetings that he found it “unacceptable” and “embarrassing” that the state has gone as long as it has without a budget. He noted that when he spoke to the panel last year he did so with optimism that some of the state’s fiscal woes would be addressed.

“It’s unacceptable we still don’t have a budget,” Unes said. “There are so many people impacted by this.”

Unes spoke at the RPIC meeting chaired by Mabél Guzmán. The meeting was the first general session meeting of a week of meetings held each year to chart the association’s course on public policy.

Elected in 2011, Unes represents the 91st House District. He’s a former city commissioner for East Peoria, and served as the city’s accounts and finance commissioner and mayor pro tempore. The financial background at the local level has given him insight into the state’s funding woes, he said.

Unes said he was open to looking at a multi-year spending plan for the state. He said the 2016 spring legislative session would be challenging as lawmakers try to resolve a massive budget deficit.

“That would help us have more certainty, and if there’s anything people need out of Springfield it’s more certainty and honesty.”

He urged REALTORS® to continue to stay involved in pushing for issues of importance to the industry.

“I am proud to work with your organization,” he said. “My door is always open.”