Leaving a meeting with the Governor and the four Leaders, Speaker Madigan
said, “He doesn’t expect tax increases to be part of tomorrow’s budget address”
The Speaker has consistently stated that new revenue needs to be considered.
Thursday morning, the Going Home Coalition and The Arc will be hosting a
coffee for legislators.
Whatever the case,we will be following developments and reporting them to you
from the Capitol. Some of the issues we will be following include:
Wages for Direct Care Staff
Closing of State Institutions
Moving People off the Waiting List
Managed Care Phase III
Community Rates
Employment First
Grants for Community Services
Remember, this is the first step in the State’s budgeting process.
Tony
Rauner poised to unveil budget
plans
Kurt Erickson kurt.erickson@lee.net
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner met with top legislative leaders Tuesday
as state officials searched for a solution for the state’s daunting budget problems.
As the clock ticked toward his Wednesday budget speech, the Republican
governor remained tight-lipped about his plans, brushing off questions for the
second straight day about the status of his fiscal blueprint.
“You’re a persistent rascal,” Rauner told a reporter after a short, closed-door
meeting with Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago.
Asked if he was ready for his noon speech, Rauner chuckled and said, “It’s all
good.”
His staff also said little about what would be in the spending plan for the fiscal year
beginning July 1.
“I am not commenting on tomorrow’s budget address,” Rauner spokesman Lance
Trover said in an email.
The rookie chief executive faces two significant financial challenges as he heads
into his much-awaited speech.
Not only is next year’s revenue going to be down by more than $5 billion because
of the expiration of the temporary income tax hike, but the current budget is
running out of money with more than four months left in the fiscal year.
Rauner wants the ability to move funds within the current budget in order to plug
gaps in a day care program that helps low-income parents. The state’s main tax
collection agency, the Department of Corrections and the Illinois State Police also
face funding challenges that could be resolved by giving the governor more
flexibility.
Neither Cullerton or House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, disclosed details
of their separate meetings with Rauner. Madigan urged the governor to focus on
this year’s budget problems, said spokesman Steve Brown. A Cullerton aide said
the Senate chief described the meeting as “good.”
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org
