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Local Budget Reaction Mixed

Illinois State Capitol
Illinois Public Radio

Governor Bruce Rauner's first budget proposal is getting a mixed reaction among southern Illinois lawmakers.

State Senator Gary Forby says the plan hurts middle- and low-income residents, and he's not happy about it.
 
"I don't know why, like downstate where I live, they always have to pick on the people that can't afford to pay the budget. And that's exactly what he done today. It didn't hurt any rich people. It didn't bother the 4% of the people in this state - it only bothered the 96% down."
 
The Benton Democrat hopes lawmakers will be able to compromise on the fiscal plan - and save some programs that help those most in need.

Meanwhile Republican Senator Dave Luechtefeld says it's time for difficult choices.
 
"The best thing about this speech today is, we've got a problem. And it's a big one, and we'd better start doing something about it."
 
Both Luechtefeld and Forby say this is just the start of budget negotiations for the year. They expect a busy spring session, dealing with all of the proposals Rauner put on the table.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the powerful House Revenue and Finance Committee says Gov. Bruce Rauner's budget proposal is just that - a proposal.

State Representative John Bradley says Rauner had several weeks after his win in November to craft a budget plan, and now lawmakers will do the same:
 
"I think it's reasonable for us to take some amount of time to digest exactly what he said, what he didn't. And in the spirit of working together and getting things done - in a bipartisan manner - reflecting on this before we rush to conclusions."
 
The Marion Democrat says he's not yet seen any of Rauner's proposals in the form of legislation - but expects many of those bills would have to go through this committee.

And southern Illinois' newest legislator is encouraged by what she heard from Governor Bruce Rauner in his budget message.

State Representative Terri Bryant says lawmakers now have a starting point to create a balanced budget.
 
"We have 3 ½ months now, because we received the budget address so early, to look at the possible cuts and those of us on appropriations committees, of course, as I said we have 3 ½ months to take a look at those and negotiations begin."
 
Bryant says she is encouraged by the governor's proposed increase in funding for K-12 education and public safety, including the hiring of 473 correctional officers and 60 educators in the juvenile justice system.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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