SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A spokeswoman for Gov. Bruce Rauner says a report that Illinois will build up an $8 billion spending deficit this year shows that the Republican’s agenda for changing the state’s business climate is necessary.
The legislative Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability issued a report, first provided to The Associated Press, that showed spending in the stopgap budget deal approved in June will exacerbate the state’s money problems. Expenses will outstrip revenues by nearly $8 billion.
Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly says the governor knows the plan he signed is not the answer. He wants to change laws to boost the economy by reducing business costs and union power.
Republican Representative David McSweeney of Barrington Hills — who requested the analysis — says the budget deal he opposed is “setting up a major disaster.”