Gov. Bruce Rauner has cut $68 million in already-funded road construction or other bricks-and-mortar projects.
The cuts came on the eve of a new fiscal year set to begin without a budget agreement between the Republican governor and the Democratic-controlled General Assembly.
The cuts include $50 million for further renovation of the 1868 state Capitol and $5 million for the long-discussed but delayed airport in south suburban Chicago.
Rauner has rebuffed discussion with Democrats on a fiscal 2016 budget because he wants fundamental business and political changes first.
The governor approved most of the re-appropriated money. He says investment in the state's infrastructure "is critical to economic development." But he made the cuts to ensure "limited taxpayer dollars are spent wisely."
