Illinois

Rauner Budget to Set Up Likely Battle With Democrats

The governor wants Illinois to be compassionate, but says the state doesn't have the money for it

Lawmakers and advocates for low-income, elderly and disabled people are bracing for possible cuts to Medicaid and other programs as Gov. Bruce Rauner prepares to deliver his first budget address.

Rauner is scheduled to propose a spending plan Wednesday.

He's said repeatedly he wants Illinois to be the most competitive yet compassionate state in the nation. But the Republican also says Illinois doesn't have the money it needs to be compassionate.

Rauner also is expected to propose a new tax on some services and cutting spending on higher education.

It's all likely to set up a big battle with the Democrats who control the Legislature. Many of them prefer to raise Illinois income tax rates that rolled back on Jan. 1 to avoid massive cuts.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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