Rauner Not Pleased With Status of State’s Finances

Dave Dahl -- Illinois Radio Network

The man who will be governor is running out of words to describe how bad things are.

“The financial condition of the state of Illinois is stunningly bad. It's horrible,” Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner told reporters. He referred to a newspaper's description of a “booby-trapped budget” and added, “That's a kind term, and it understates the situation. Our financial condition is dire. We need to take strong action to fix it.”

Rauner says a fiscal overhaul is needed, and while he does not have details for us now, he will in February's budget message – he has not asked for a delay.

Rauner sidestepped a question about what recourse he has if lawmakers defy his request to hold off on passing major legislation between now and the mid-January inauguration of Rauner and the 99^thGeneral Assembly. A proposed minimum wage increase started moving this veto session, which resumes the week after Thanksgiving.