State Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) issued the following reaction in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Budget Address Feb. 14.
“Today, Governor Rauner outlined a good plan that would set Illinois on the right path to fiscal certainty. Our road-map in 2018 for a balanced budget first and foremost, must include cuts. Tax increases are not on the table. Funding only our priorities and respecting taxpayer dollars being sent to Springfield is what the people of Illinois rightfully demand.
“It’s my hope this year that Chicago Democrats don’t put forward their ‘take it or leave it’ approach to budgeting that has been all too common under the dome the past decade. The only way we can move Illinois forward fiscally is by partnering in the effort and making the tough decisions together.
“We have an opportunity to make Illinois better, an opportunity that can offer hope for the future. Both parties need to work together to bring hope and fiscal sanity back to Illinois.”