SPRINGFIELD –The top House Republican in Springfield says members of his party will not be supporting higher taxes in 2015, even as Gov. Bruce Rauner is still negotiating his proposed budget cuts with lawmakers.
 
But House Republican Leader Jim Durkin says members of his party won’t vote for higher taxes to avoid cuts, which would leave a $6 billion budget hole to be filled with some serious budget cuts.
 
That could spell trouble for state workers and others in southern Illinois. The cuts proposed for DHS in the new fiscal year will include eliminating 450 jobs and canceling programs in many areas overseen by the department, including mental health and rehabilitation.
 
Senate Democrats heard testimony Sunday from human service providers who are bracing for state cuts to programs that help parents of developmentally disabled, and housing for disabled adults.
 
Durkin says Republicans understand no new revenue means there will be less money – and they will take the necessary action — putting votes on cuts.

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