While the pressure grows on Gov. Bruce Rauner to identify where he would cut state spending, a new Associated Press analysis shows that much more cutting would be needed to make a real difference.
The AP reviewed the governor’s latest annual fiscal plan released in February. It found at least 40 programs Rauner wants to eliminate or reduce.
Altogether those 40 programs represent only $242 million in savings.
That’s one-half of 1 percent of what Illinois spends in a year.
Rauner budget director Scott Harry tells the AP that the governor wants to reduce spending on services that benefit only one area or a limited number of taxpayers. He wants greater statewide impact.