SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is asking heads of state agencies to prepare for state funds to run out if he and Democratic lawmakers can’t reach a deal on a 2016 budget.
The Republican governor addressed members of his cabinet Wednesday.
He says the more than $400 million in cuts he announced Tuesday for the fiscal year that begins July 1 is “just the first step” to reduce spending. He warned them to be ready for possible restructuring.
Democrats approved a $36.3 billion budget that’s more than $3 billion short of revenues. Rauner says he won’t sign an unbalanced budget. He wants lawmakers to approve his legislative priorities — such as a property tax freeze — before he’ll consider a tax increase.
House lawmakers return to Springfield on Thursday.