Gov. Rauner To Democrats: 'No More Kicking The Can'
(CBS) -- Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner fired back Monday at Democratic leaders who blame him for the lack of a balanced budget.
Rauner pulled no punches as he talked with CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine.
He says he did not trust House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, to back elements of Rauner's "Turnaround" agenda if he agreed to a tax increase to balance the budget first.
"We don't need more taxes, we need structural reform to grow our economy," Rauner said in an interview from Springfield.
Levine asked: "Isn't this like a parent at a dinner table saying, 'Unless you don't eat your vegetables, you're not getting dessert?"
"I have said we are open to tax reform that can generate more growth," Rauner responded. "We can't kick the can down the road on reform."
Rauner's five-point "Turnaround Illinois" includes reform of worker's compensation; reducing lawsuit damages, called tort reform; freezing local property taxes; terms limits for lawmakers and redistricting.
Democrats demand he help them balance the budget first, by supporting a $3 billion tax increase. The new state budget covers an annual period that starts July 1.
"Speaker Madigan's been in power for 30-plus years, he's driven the state into the ditch. He controls many members of the General Assembly," Rauner says.
Not even Mayor Rahm Emanuel, his longtime friend, was spared by Rauner.
"They passed a bill right now to kick the can down the road on their pensions. That's not what's best for the homeowners and small business owners in Chicago. No more kicking the can," the governor said.
The governor is clearly trying to fan the flames of public opinion, with interviews, an expected paid media blitz, and money, campaign contributions, for those Democrats who dare to split with the Speaker.
This is all-out war.
