Illinois budget woes prompt suspension of Springfield auto show

SPRINGFIELD — An auto show that’s been a Springfield tradition for 66 years has been suspended due to Illinois’ state budget stalemate.

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced Friday that it won’t hold the annual Secretary of State Vehicle Show and Swap Meet this year.

The event typically draws more than 1,000 people to the area near the state Capitol in downtown Springfield.

Spokesman Henry Haupt says the office determined that suspending the show is “the fiscally responsible thing to do during this budget crisis.” He says the show costs about $18,000 to stage.

Haupt says the office hopes to resume the show once Illinois has a budget.

Lawmakers have been fighting over a budget for the fiscal year that began July 1.