Rauner hits familiar themes in State of the State address

Posted on January 25, 2017

By Adam Studzinski

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner touched on familiar themes in his State of the State address as he pushed for education funding changes, workers compensation reform, term limits and balancing the budget.

Rauner said Illinois has to change the budget philosophy.

“To keep budgets balanced in the future our rate of economic growth has to be higher than our rate of government spending growth,” said Rauner. “It’s simple math.”

Rauner added the ability of the state to help social services, families and small businesses rests on growing the economy.

“We are failing to be compassionate because we are failing to be competitive,” he said.

Rauner emphasized the need for education funding reform.

“For years and years, Illinois has provided the lowest percentage of education financial support from any state in the country,” said Rauner. “This is wrong. I personally believe this is immoral.”

The governor thanked lawmakers for showing signs of cooperation on job-friendly legislation. He even went off-script to thank state senators for their willingness to show compromise.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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