Austerity in Illinois? Critics Slam ‘Morally Reprehensible’ Budget Proposal

‘With its deep cuts to higher education, Medicaid, pension benefits, and social services, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget is being called “reckless,” “heartless,” and “morally reprehensible.”

Rauner, who won a decisive victory over incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn in November, announced his budget plan before the Illinois General Assembly earlier this week. It lays out $6 billion in cuts in state spending on universities, health care, and local governments while calling for sharply reducing pension benefits for state workers—in keeping with Rauner’s recent attacks on public sector unions.

The governor called it a “turnaround budget” for a state facing budget shortfalls in the years ahead.’

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