State Rep. Patti Bellock | The Office of State Rep. Patti Bellock
State Rep. Patti Bellock | The Office of State Rep. Patti Bellock
State Rep. Patti Bellock said Gov. Bruce Rauner's budget address before a joint session of the General Assembly earlier today provided an honest, sobering assessment of Illinois' numerous budgetary challenges.
"He is correct that we cannot tax our way back to prosperity," she said. "Structural reforms to eliminate waste and inefficiency in state government are needed; as is a top-to-bottom assessment of state spending priorities to ensure we pay our bills on time and preserve a strong safety net for the most vulnerable families in our state, including the disabled, individuals with special needs, seniors living on a fixed income and those struggling with mental illness."
Bellock said she, along with many lawmakers serving the citizens of Illinois, are in agreement with the governor's address.
"Those are my priorities and I believe those of a majority of policymakers in Illinois, both Republican and Democrat," Bellock said.
Anticipating a hefty budget shortfall, the newly elected Republican governor is proposing more than $6 billion in budget cuts for the state including reduced spending on local governments, health care and universities. He also recommends greatly reducing state pension benefits.
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