Sangamon Sun

Gov. Bruce Rauner sees some cracks in the Democratic wall but worries that time is running out on a true breakthrough, according to an op-ed article he wrote for the State Journal-Register that was published on May 15.

“Two years into our state budget impasse, it's encouraging that some Democrats are finally willing to engage in serious negotiations to resolve our differences,” Rauner wrote. “But as we approach the end of session, many of them are buckling under enormous pressure from Speaker (Michael) Madigan, powerful lobbyists and special interests who want to maintain the status quo.”

Rauner pointed out that the state is still facing a deficit of billions of dollars that must be closed to reach a balanced budget. While he is pushing for spending cuts, he wrote that many Democrats are pushing for taxes on groceries and prescription drugs, which he will not support.

“Our administration genuinely wants to reach a budget deal,” he wrote. “We've been trying to negotiate a good deal for taxpayers for more than two years. But we won't be pressured by special interests, insiders and career politicians to take a bad deal for taxpayers… . Now is the time to seal a good deal for taxpayers and put Illinois back on track. Let’s reduce the cost of government and grow the economy to keep our budgets balanced for the long term.”