Rauner to detail next budget plan as current one languishes
Posted February 16, 2016 6:00 am
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The latest chapter in Illinois' protracted budget battle will play out this week when Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner gives lawmakers his spending plan for next year.
But Wednesday's speech will be complicated by the fact that the state still doesn't have a budget that would have taken effect last July.
Illinois faces a roughly $5 billion budget deficit this year. Its unpaid bill backlog could reach almost $26 billion by 2020 if current revenue and spending policies continue.
Rauner has said at recent events that the key to fixing Illinois' finances will be growing the state's economy by creating a pro-business environment and being more fiscally responsible.
Illinois House of Representative lawmakers meet to debate legislation while on the House floor during session at the state Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
The Associated Press
Illinois Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, D-Westchester, listens to lawmakers while on the House floor during session at the state Capitol, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
The Associated Press
Illinois Rep. Louis Lang, D-Skokie, speaks to lawmakers while on the House floor during session at the state Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
The Associated Press
Illinois Rep. Illinois Rep. Ron Sandack, R-Downers Grove, speaks to lawmakers while on the House floor during session at the Illinois State Capitol, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
The Associated Press
Illinois Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, D-Westchester, speaks to lawmakers while on the House floor during session at the state Capitol, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
The Associated Press
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