Blagojevich warns of more cuts

Font Size:

By Kurt Erickson | Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:22 PM CST | () comments

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Rod Blagojevich is preparing to slash even more state programs, but he wants lawmakers to share in the politically unpopular fiscal misery.

Against the backdrop of the national economic crisis, the governor announced today that more spending cuts could be in the offing in order to close a growing budget hole.

The governor offered no specific programs that he would cut but noted that his plans could affect all agencies under his control, as well as public schools and universities, state pension funds and grants to local governments.

“While I am dedicated to ending the year with a budget that works, I know I cannot do this alone,” Blagojevich said. “I am asking for support from state legislators and constitutional officers to help manage this budget in a way that continues to provide the services and programs that Illinois families need.”

Blagojevich has taken heat for cutting funding to social service providers, state parks and historic sites. Under his latest plan, he wants lawmakers to give him the power to slash up to 8 percent of the budgets of a variety of state agencies and programs.

That could amount to another $2 billion dollars in cuts. An administration spokesman didn’t immediately return messages seeking clarification.

“Illinois’ finances, like many other states across the nation, have felt consequences of the poor national economy,” Blagojevich said. “And like a family who has seen their income cut dramatically, we need to take fiscally responsible action to ensure the state can pay all of our bills and provide the core services that Illinoisans need.”

In addition to making more cuts, the governor also wants to take out a short-term loan to pay off a backlog of bills that could hit $6 billion by March. And he sent a letter to congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., asking for $1 billion in federal tax dollars over three years to help stimulate the Illinois economy.

“An infusion of federal dollars would not only help to alleviate the projected revenue shortfall for fiscal year 2009, but also help Illinois stabilize its weakening economy by putting dollars into the hands of consumers, investing in infrastructure and ensuring the State can pay its bills in a more timely manner,” the press release noted.

As part of his request for federal assistance, the governor has already asked state universities to submit wish lists for building projects that could help provide construction jobs.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate have openly sparred with the governor over his management of the budget. Last week, Democrats in the Senate said the state may need to look at some kind of tax increase to make ends meet in the coming months.

Kurt Erickson can be contacted at kurt.erickson@lee.net or (217) 789-0865.