Governor Bruce Rauner's efforts to cut services, curb spending and reign in unions met with stiff opposition at a public meeting in Normal.
The governor was greeted by several audience members carrying signs that read, "Don't Balance the Budget on My Back." Rauner dismissed the protestors as A "special interest" seeking to derail his efforts to restructure state government.
But Local Catholic Priest Father Gregg Petri says concern over the governor's proposals is widespread. "We are the people who make up this state. Ordinary people. We're not a 'block.' We're just people who care for those who are less fortunate and we want to make sure that they're taken care of."
Audience members also challenged Rauner's proposal to cut some spending for higher education and permit counties to decide whether their teachers and other public employees are required to join unions.