Local Dems, families to speak against Rauner budget cuts on Monday
From Illinois Business Journal news services
BELLEVILLE – Downstate Democratic members of both the Senate and House will stand Monday with several families who will be potentially affected by proposed cuts to the state budget
State Reps. Dan Beiser, D-Alton, Jerry Costello II, D-Smithton, Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and Eddie Lee Jackson, D-East St. Louis, and state Sens. Bill Haine, D-Alton, and James Clayborne, D-Belleville, will stand with Metro East residents who they say will be impacted by Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed elimination of services for middle-class families. The press conference is set for 1 p.m. at the Developmental Disability Services of the Metro East building, 2900 Frank Scott Parkway West, Suite 928 in Belleville.
Group members say Rauner’s proposed budget eliminates and reduces many essential services that provide job training, enhance educational opportunities and ensure medical care for those in need.
Rauner has called for the elimination of home-energy assistance programs for low-income families, which helps thousands of Metro East residents cover the costs of home heating every winter.
Residents who would be directly impacted by Rauner’s proposal will be among those urging state officials to approve a state budget that protects what they say are necessary programs, including those that help families of children with autism and treatment for patients with breast and cervical cancer.
Rauner’s budget has been stalled for weeks over the potential cuts, which are among many drafted by the governor to help balance a fiscal package.
The fiscal year begins July 1. Democrats, who control the legislature, approved a plan that’s over $3 billion short of anticipated revenue. House and Senate leaders want Rauner to OK a tax increase, but Rauner first wants other reforms.
