democrats show priorities as they advance 2016 budget plan

Democrats show priorities as they advance 2016 budget plan

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Associated Press) -

Pieces of Illinois Democrats' proposed state budget are coming into focus as lawmakers beginadvancing them in the Legislature ahead of a scheduled Sunday adjournment.

The $36.3 billion spending plan includes far less drastic cuts to higher education, Medicaid and statefunding to local governments than was proposed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner earlier this year.

The alternative budget was unveiled Monday by House Speaker Michael Madigan. He saysDemocrats are open to negotiating with Rauner about ways to raise more revenue to fill a $3 billionshortfall.

Rauner spent part of the morning speaking to Republican caucuses encouraging them to tell theirconstituents he won't support new revenue without pro-business reforms.

Online: www.ilga.gov

The bills are HB 4146-48, HB4153-54, HB4158-60 and HB4165.

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