CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says his annual budget message this month will be similar to one he delivered last year, asking legislators to work with him on crafting a balanced spending plan or allowing him to make cuts of his own.
That’s what Rauner told the Chicago Tribune as part of a series of meetings with Illinois newspaper editorial boards this week. Rauner also re-emphasized his demand for “structural change” through budget negotiations.
The Rockford Register Star reports Rauner sounded optimistic in a meeting with its board, citing recent bipartisan Senate negotiations over a budget compromise.
House Democrats say Rauner’s proposals should be considered separately from budget talks, and rejected his two budget options last year. The state has not had a full budget in nearly two years.
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