Kotowski wants cuts to Senate budget

SPRINGFIELD — Sen. Dan Kotowski said Thursday that Senate Democrats should find ways to cut their budget by 5 percent.

That could come through cuts to staff salaries and reduced travel, among other things, the Park Ridge Democrat said.

“These are immediate cuts,” Kotowski said.

He filed legislation to create the cuts in the Senate, and it’s supported by Senate President John Cullerton.

Senate Democrats could cut 5 percent without a change in law by simply not spending 5 percent of what they’ve been allocated.

Kotowski said that legislation would force the issue.

“Taxpayers need to see that we’re making necessary cuts,” he said.