Gov. Bruce Rauner's budget address last Wednesday was nothing like anything anyone in Springfield had seen in a long time.  Gov. Rauner will propose deep cuts in social service programs, cuts to higher education spending by 31 percent, he also proposed huge changes in the states pension programs and big cuts to local goverments.  The Governor pointed out that over the past 12 years approximately 275,000 people have chosen to leave Illinois, a population equal to Bloomington, Champaign and Springfield combined.

 

The Department of Agriculture’s budget includes a $4 million reduction to general revenue fund. Appropriations for the Illinois Standardbred Breeders and Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders funds are cut for FY16. The Medical Cannabis Program does receive an appropriation in the proposed FY16 budget.

 

This week in Springfield will busy with committee hearings on the budget and other legislation.  Noteable hearing are:

 

Wednesday

 

1pm, House Agriculture & Conservation

1pm, House Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Brides

4pm, House Environment

 

Thursday

8:30am, House Transporation: Vehicles & Safety

10am, House Revenue & Finace 

10am, House Revenue: Income Tax Subcommittee