Democrats in the Illinois Legislature unveiled an alternative $36.3 billion state budget plan that includes less severe cuts to higher education, Medicaid, and funding for local governments compared to the Republican governor's earlier proposal. The Democratic Speaker says the budget is open to negotiation but that revenue increases are needed to address the $3 billion shortfall, while the Republican governor lobbied his party to push for business reforms without agreeing to new taxes.

1. Democrats show priorities as they advance 2016 budget plan
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Associated Press) -
Pieces of Illinois Democrats' proposed state budget are coming into focus as lawmakers begin
advancing them in the Legislature ahead of a scheduled Sunday adjournment.
The $36.3 billion spending plan includes far less drastic cuts to higher education, Medicaid and state
funding to local governments than was proposed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner earlier this year.
The alternative budget was unveiled Monday by House Speaker Michael Madigan. He says
Democrats are open to negotiating with Rauner about ways to raise more revenue to fill a $3 billion
shortfall.
Rauner spent part of the morning speaking to Republican caucuses encouraging them to tell their
constituents he won't support new revenue without pro-business reforms.

2. Online: www.ilga.gov
The bills are HB 4146-48, HB4153-54, HB4158-60 and HB4165.
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