Report: Moody’s sees political problem with proposed budget

Posted on February 25, 2015

Gov. Bruce Rauner is proposing major cuts to Medicaid, pensions and local governments. (WJBC file photo)

By Illinois News Network

SPRINGFIELD – One ratings agency sees some trouble ahead with the proposed budget for Illinois – not because of the numbers, but because of the politics.

Capitol Fax reports a Moody’s Investors Service statement indicating the ratings agency sees the Republican governor’s proposals facing strong opposition from Democrats who control both legislative chambers. The statement also says the proposed funding reductions will push fiscal pressures on local governments, public universities and healthcare providers.

Gov. Bruce Rauner proposed a budget last week that would reduce the structural deficit by over $6 billion without raising taxes.
 

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…