Gov. Rauner outlines second round of cuts if balanced budget isn't approved - News - The State Journal-Register - Springfield, IL

 

By Doug Finke and Seth A. Richardson, State Capitol Bureau

Posted Jun. 12, 2015 at 3:52 PM
Updated Jun 13, 2015 at 8:28 AM

Funding for construction projects other than roads will be suspended, spending on Amtrak cut, and funding for the University of Illinois Extension, soil and water conservation districts and the Illinois tobacco Quitline put on hold under a new round of budget cuts Gov. Bruce Rauner announced Friday.

Altogether, the extensive list of proposed spending cuts will save about $420 million in the budget year that begins July 1, the administration said.

The proposed cuts, like a round of $400 million in proposed cuts announced last week, are intended to close what is currently a $4 billion hole in a state spending plan approved by the Democratic-controlled legislature.

The Republican governor's administration once again blamed the cuts on House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, both Chicago Democrats. In a prepared statement, the administration said the two have "refused to pass real, compromise reforms that will grow the economy, pay down the debt and end the era of wasteful spending and broken budgets."

"In preparation for the possibility of having no budget on July 1 or a budget with a $4 billion hole, the administration is initiating its second round of steps to responsibly manage the state's finances," the administration said.

Spokesman Lance Trover said Rauner has repeatedly compromised on issues, "but Speaker Madigan and the politicians he controls to block any real reform.

"It's deeply troubling to see that Speaker Madigan remains committed to sacrificing the middle class in order to protect the political class," Trover said.

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