SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Democrats are criticizing Gov. Bruce Rauner’s move to veto budget legislation.

House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie says now lawmakers have to start from ground zero so close to the new fiscal year starting July 1.

Legislative Democrats sent Rauner a spending plan they acknowledged was at least $3 billion short on revenue and wanted Rauner to approve new taxes. But Rauner said he wouldn’t sign it and rejected 19 budget bills Thursday.

Senate President John Cullerton’s spokeswoman says it appears Rauner would rather move toward a shutdown than compromise.

House Speaker Michael Madigan says Rauner missed an opportunity to avoid “disrupting the lives” of middle class families over non-budget issues

Rauner says his vetoes will help move Illinois toward “fiscal sanity.”

Lawmakers plan to meet next week.

 

 

 

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