Jim Anderson -- Illinois Radio Network

Tax increases will not be the solution to the state's budget woes this year or next, if approval is needed by Republicans.

That promise on behalf of Republicans comes from Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs).

"It's going to be a difficult year, but the fact is, Republicans will not be supporting and (new) revenue in this General Assembly, and that includes the governor, and also the House and Senate Republicans," he said in an address at the City Club of Chicago.

Durkin lectured the audience on the need for the state to live within its means, yet when asked afterward, he didn't have a direct answer to the governor's budget proposal, which is probably $3 billion out of balance since it relies on economies that are unlikely to occur.

He did say the governor is set on a revenue figure of $32.1 billion, and he has flexibility for lawmakers to decide where the spending is and where the cuts will be. He says House Republicans are willing to vote for cuts.

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