Alex McComb

Published Oct 17, 2017

Rauner Cuts Human Services, Other Area in State Budget

Since the State of Illinois budget was passed without Governor Rauners consent,

changes are imminent. His administration has found millions of dollars worth of cuts it will be

making. The cuts will be made to transportation, agricultural programs, and human services.

Once the cuts are made the budget will still be out of balance by $1.5 billion and will need more

reductions.

A report detailing the cuts was submitted to the four legislative caucuses by Rauners

budget office. The lead budget negotiator for House Democrats, Mr. Greg Harris, stated the cuts

totaled $89 million to various human service programs. The programs that were included in the

cuts were after school programs, immigrant services, and autism services. He has the authority,

I understand that, Harris said. If you look at the human service programs, it is the same

vulnerable seniors, people with disabilities and children that he has consistently targeted year

after year despite the legislature continually trying to restore the funds. Those are his regular

targets.

Rauners spokeswoman, Patty Schuh, said the governor was forced to make reductions.

The governor received a budget $1.7 billion out of balance and has to take action where

possible to begin reducing that structural imbalance, she said.

Harris said cuts were made to business development, cooperative extension, county fair

assistance, soil and water conservation districts, and tourism grants. He also said there are 5

percent reductions to senior citizen reduced fares, paratransit, and cuts at IDOT. Human
Services is not the only department that is being affected. Cuts to the Department of Agriculture

total $21 million, cuts to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity total $41

million, and cuts to the Illinois Department of Transportation total $85 million.

The governor wants to work with lawmakers to find more savings to help bring the

budget into balance. Michael Madigan sent a letter to Rauner stating that Greg Harris will head

an appointed group to work with his people on budget issues.

The legislature appropriates and the governor spends, said Heather Steans, one of the

Senate appropriation committee members. It is certainly within their legal authority not to

spend everything we appropriate. Sound familiar? How many times have your parents told you

dont spend it all. Just because you have $100.00 doesnt mean you need to spend it.

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20171017/rauner-cuts-human-services-other-area-in-state-budget