Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says it's shocking and unacceptable that the state is in its eighth month without a budget. Wednesday, he laid out his vision for finally ending the political stalemate that has paralyzed state government. The Republican's language was more conciliatory, but the ideas remain the same.
A series of House committees will meet; one hearing will focus on cuts Gov. Rauner says he's making to Community Care, a program that helps provide elderly and disabled individuals with home care help, to manage the budget during an impasse. The salaries Rauner is paying his top staff is the subject of another hearing. It comes after questions about Rauner paying aides he calls "super-stars" salaries above that of people in those positions under former Gov. Pat Quinn's administration.
Democratic lawmakers and Rauner do not appear to be close to a budget deal. But if they can work out their differences, they will likely be looking for more revenue to help close the state's massive budget deficit. That could mean higher taxes for you.
