Illinois State Senator John Sullivan held the second of many town hall meetings throughout his district tonight.

Here's just one of the many questions posed to the Senator tonight.

Attendee: What percentage of the budget is designated for medicaid?

IL Sen. John Sullivan said, "We meaning the General Assembly, we have to get it under control. It's rising faster and we have to get it under control because we can't spend at levels we're spending."

In fact Senator Sullivan says healthcare spending in the state makes up 40 percent of the overall budget, not to mention it's the fastest growing cost to the state of Illinois.

More than 70 folks like this attended the question and answer forum.

Hot topics included everything from the state's lack of a motorcycle helmet and conceal and carry law, to the problem of asian carp in local rivers and streams.

But perhaps the other big issue surrounded the current state budget cuts and how the growing cost of state services will be paid for.

Do you think increased taxes are inevitable?

Sullivan said, "They're not inevitable. But at some point in time we're going to to have to make the decision to the General Assembly and people of Illinois. Do we want to continue to provide services at the same level where we are now and if so, then it's going to take additional revenue to do that or make decisions, do we want to make drastic cuts. We simply can't sustain it and continue it like we have been. "

Senator Sullivan says town hall meetings like this help him gather constituents' concerns to take to Springfield.

There are six more town hall meetings like this scheduled.  All begin at 6p.m.

September 2:  Farm Bureau Building, 1000 N. Main St., Monmouth

September 3:  Henderson County Health Department, Gladstone

September 8:  Chester Center, 200 S. McKinley, Havana

September 10:  Phoenix Opera House, Rushville

September 15:  American Legion Building, Bluffs

September 16  Macomb City Hall, Macomb