Another year of financial uncertainty looms for Illinois

Homeless shelters in Illinois and low-income college students who rely on state funds are facing another year of financial uncertainty as Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and majority Democratic lawmakers remain unable to make progress on resolving a budget war.

Several meetings during the past month have only served to prove how far apart the two sides are: Rauner, a former venture capitalist who took office two years vowing to overhaul how the state is managed, continues to insist Democrats pass part of his pro-business agenda, while they say he should focus on a budget deal without pre-conditions.

The money lawmakers approved as part of a six-month spending plan in June is about to run out, but they adjourned for the year Thursday without agreeing with the governor on a plan going forward. That means social service providers, like programs that deliver meals for homebound seniors and homeless shelters, will start the new year without state support. Some already have exhausted their budget reserves.

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