After Signing $43 Billion Budget Bill, Pritzker Now Says to Prepare for Cuts

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Published on September 15 2020 3:55 pm
Last Updated on September 15 2020 3:55 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

After Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a $43 billion budget into law in July that he said was dependent on Federal assistance, he is telling state agency heads to prepare for budget cuts of 5% and maybe more now that the assistance hasn't arrived.

(PRITZKER)

Pritzker said the 5% cuts might happen this fiscal year, with cuts of up to 10% possible next year. The measure also involves borrowing to plug the gap in revenue that has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The battle lines are being drawn. Republicans, who largely opposed the budget, said there was no assurance of assistance from Washington. 

Meanwhile, Pritzker is blaming the GOP for the lack of assistance he was hoping for from Washington.

The governor is hedging his bets, saying he can't say exactly when the budget cuts will take place.

A memo Tuesday to agency directors said this year's budget is only affordable with federal support to bridge pandemic-related shortfalls.