Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has a familiar wish list for the legislative session that begins this week.
Rauner has several items that he’s been asking for since he first ran for office, but his top priority this year, he said, is the budget. He said it’s time to get it right.
“Let’s get a revenue estimate that we agree on, as the law calls for," he said, "and then do a balanced budget that lives within our means for a full year, not a partial -- and that calls for no new taxes.”
Then, Rauner said, he wants to start work on his next priority.
“An income tax reduction for the people of Illinois," he said, "and that is part of getting pension reform done. Once pension reform is approved by our courts, getting a billion-dollar income tax cut.”
Previous pension reform proposals have been struck down as unconstitutional.
Rauner also called once again for term limits, a property tax freeze, and making it easier to consolidate local units of government. He also wants to address the state’s opioid crisis.
Rauner said he plans to meet with legislative leaders this week.
The Illinois House began its work Monday. The Senate comes in Tuesday.
