News Local/State

Rauner Says He Has Plan To Stop Court-Ordered Spending

 
Bruce Rauner

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. (Bruce Rauner)

Gov. Bruce Rauner says he will outline a plan to get Illinois out from under court-ordered spending that's plunging the state further into debt during a seven-month budget stalemate.  

The Republican was speaking in an interview with The Associated Press marking his first year in office Tuesday.  The Legislature begins its spring term Wednesday.  

Even without a budget, the state has been required to continue spending on things such as Medicaid because of federal consent decrees and court orders.  

Rauner said ending those spending requirements will "be a big part of our plan going forward,'' but declined to offer specifics.  

Others say Rauner would have to show the state is complying with the orders. ACLU spokesman Ed Yohnka said Rauner can't just wave a magic wand to make them disappear.