McLean County State's Attorney Jason Chambers is keeping a close eye on Illinois' budget situation. (WJBC file photo)
By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposed budget cuts are drawing concern from McLean County State's Attorney Jason Chambers.
Chambers said when he examines the state budget he looks not only at what might directly affect his office, but also at what might affect the community. A particular concern for him is the possible cut to local municipalities.
"It's tough to budget when the rug gets pulled out from under you," said Chambers. "You've got the local government who have been careful with things and tried to pay attention to what they're spending and tried not to be wasteful."
Chambers said local funding reductions could end up indirectly affecting his office.
"I don't think any of us want to be able to say 'we'd like to do that, but we don't have the money to pursue those crimes,'" he said.
Chambers was also worried about the effect reduced funding for higher education might have. He called this proposal a downstate cut because of the location of most public universities.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
