Democratic leaders and GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner remain far apart on how to bridge a $6 billion revenue gap as they turn to the 2016 state budget.
A memo circulated by Democrats questions roughly $5.8 billion in savings in Rauner's proposed $32 billion budget. They say the proposal not only could violate a provision of the Illinois constitution on promised employee benefits but also require changes to state law and federal policies.
Rauner's plan would balance the budget by slashing spending. It includes a $1.5 billion Medicaid cut and a pension plan he says could save $2.2 billion.
A Rauner spokesman says the governor has been clear that statutory changes must accompany the budget.
Democratic Sen. Heather Steans argues the document illustrates the "impossibility" balancing the budget without new revenue.
