© 2024 Peoria Public Radio
A joint service of Bradley University and Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lawmakers say budget impasse hurting black population

Lawmakers from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus say the state's budget stalemate is having a big impact on the black population as youths miss out on financial aid for colleges and after-school programs. 

The group called for an end to the standoff between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders so those programs can continue. 

Black legislative leaders say they've prepared a report to be released later highlighting specific areas that need funding.

Illinois has been operating without a spending plan since July 1, with Democrats who control the Legislature and Rauner disagreeing over how to proceed. 

Democrats want a tax increase and spending cuts to address a multibillion-dollar deficit. Rauner wants changes in laws to make business operations cheaper and to curb union power.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.