Can't blame Rauner for all this spending

In the June 25 Fence Post, Donald Westlake accused Governor Rauner of berating the state legislature because it would not roll over and do his bidding.

Is he kidding? For years this state has been run by Madigan, who for all practical purposes has been the governor of this state, and Cullerton. Last year they passed a budget spending way more than the revenue coming in because they assumed the inflated income tax would not be reduced. They were wrong.

This year they pass a budget between $3 and $4 billion more than anticipated revenue. It is the Democratic-controlled legislature that does not understand budgeting, that is being obstinate and refuses to negotiate because Gov. Rauner will not roll over and do its bidding, which is spend, spend, spend and increase taxes. The Dems have been so bent on giving out treats so that they could assure their reelection, the state no longer has money to pay its bills, close to on time and pay for essentials.

Somehow Madigan and Cullerton think they can blame a governor who has taken a stand against their exorbitant spending practices for not providing for the poor and education.

Phillip E. Ritchey

Naperville