Illinois Senate backs $3.9B spending bill, Rauner vows veto

Posted on April 14, 2016

State Sen. Donne Trotter backed a measure to include $3.9 billion for higher education and social services. (Photo courtesy www.ilga.gov)

By Cole Lauterbach/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Legislators in Springfield are sending a nearly $4 billion spending bill to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk.

Democrats say the bill is for social services, colleges and student aid. There is no mention of how they would raise the money to pay for the $4 billion.

Chicago Democrat Donne Trotter said the bill gives social services, colleges and poor college students a chance to get paid.

“If those individuals and those agencies and the other programs are not in line, they won’t get paid,” Trotter said.

Republican state Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon said the Democrats who are passing these empty spending bills are in denial.

“You’re not helping the schools. You’re not helping the students. … You’re not helping anyone because you know they’re not going to get this money,” Righter said.

Rauner released a statement calling the bill another phony budget. He supports a funding bill sponsored by Republicans that they say would pay for itself through reforms the governor favors.

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