SPRINGFIELD - With the help of more Republicans than Democrats, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation Thursday to fulfill the $1.5 billion shortfall from last year's budget. All Republicans voted "YES" and the rest of the needed votes were obtained from Democrats. Governor Rauner said in a statement he plans to sign the budget solution he proposed.
$1.3 billion would be swept from special funds designated for road construction and fire prevention. An additional $300 million would come cutting spending by 2.25 percent in most other areas of state government. Schools will lose an estimated $150 million over the next three months.
