SPRINGFIELD (AP) — A child advocacy group is calling on Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and lawmakers to increase taxes so cuts to services for children are avoided next fiscal year.

Voices for Illinois Children released a report Tuesday that outlines changes to tax policy they say will prevent reductions to social programs. It suggests the state restore the temporary income tax increase that expired Jan. 1. It also recommends taxes on retirement income or some services.

Rauner has left the door open to revenue. But the Republican wants lawmakers to approve pro-business priorities in exchange for new revenue sources.

Without that deal, balancing the budget will happen entirely by slashing spending to programs like Medicaid, human services programs and state employees’ health care.

The Legislature has until May 31 to pass a budget.

 

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