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Rauner: Illinois has money to fully fund schools, programs

Posted February 09, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says he's confident state schools and other critical programs can be fully funded despite the state's budget crisis.

The Winnetka Republican told students at Springfield's Lanphier High School on Tuesday that he hopes to get approval from lawmakers to move money from nonessential government services to essential ones to help fund shortfalls for daycare programs and the prison system. However Rauner didn't specify what services he considers nonessential.

The expiration of the state's temporary income tax increase is causing a multi-billion dollar drop in revenue this year and next year. Rauner says he doesn't want to raise taxes to fill the gap.

Rauner also echoed promises made during his State of the State address to increase funding for early childhood and K-12 education next year.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks to students during a visit to Lamphier High School Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, in Springfield, Ill. Rauner says he is confident state schools and other critical programs can be fully funded despite the state's budget crisis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) The Associated Press

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