Cities could suffer from state's cuts
By: Ashley Michels/WCIA-3 News
Updated: March 8, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- Cities around the state could lose out on millions of dollars if Governor Quinn gets his way with next year's budget. The state's cutting back on the money local governments get.
Every year, they get special grant money straight out of the General Revenue Fund. But, this year, the state's slashing about $100 million from that.
It breaks down to an average of $1 million which cities like Champaign, Decatur and Springfield won't have next year. The state plans to use the savings to help fund other programs like education and healthcare.
The budget team says next year's pension payment is so big, they have to make cuts to keep our heads above water. They say they have no choice but to cut just about everywhere, and the state says they know the cuts are going to be hard.
Under this plan, cities would actually be getting the same amount they did in 2012. So, the state's saying it's nothing they haven't lived through before.
All the cuts are just ideas at this point. Lawmakers still have to vote and approve a final budget. Changes are expected to be made between now and then. The new budget will go into effect July 1 and last through the end of June 2014.
Every year, they get special grant money straight out of the General Revenue Fund. But, this year, the state's slashing about $100 million from that.
It breaks down to an average of $1 million which cities like Champaign, Decatur and Springfield won't have next year. The state plans to use the savings to help fund other programs like education and healthcare.
The budget team says next year's pension payment is so big, they have to make cuts to keep our heads above water. They say they have no choice but to cut just about everywhere, and the state says they know the cuts are going to be hard.
Under this plan, cities would actually be getting the same amount they did in 2012. So, the state's saying it's nothing they haven't lived through before.
All the cuts are just ideas at this point. Lawmakers still have to vote and approve a final budget. Changes are expected to be made between now and then. The new budget will go into effect July 1 and last through the end of June 2014.
