One Year Since Taking Office, Gov. Rauner Continues To Stand Ground On Budget
(CBS) -- Today marks the one-year anniversary of Governor Bruce Rauner's inauguration, and there appears to be no end in sight for the budget impasse that has marked his time in office so far.
The governor spoke with WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore Tuesday morning.
A year in office seems to have hardened Governor Rauner's resolve. He acknowledges that the inability to reach agreement with House Democrats on a budget has people and social service agencies suffering, but the governor blames it all on House Speaker Michael Madigan.
"The speaker of the House has refused to do anything constructive and he hasn't even bothered to come to the last floor leader meeting or to have the House come into session," he said.
Still, the governor tells WBBM that there won't be any resolution until lawmakers approve measures limiting public unions' bargaining power and cutting business costs.
"I've said to them I will discuss revenue with you, but only if we get structural reforms so I can look the people of Illinois right in the eye as I travel the state and tell them they are getting value for their tax dollars," Rauner said.
The Democrats say the middle class would be hurt by the changes.