Rauner Talks Budget Reform At BGA’s Springfield Event

Governor-elect discusses State’s Fiscal Crisis During Sangamo Club luncheon.

By the BGA

“The more we peel back the onion, the uglier it is.”

That’s the metaphor Illinois Governor-elect Bruce Rauner used to describe the state budget crisis during a luncheon event this week that was hosted Dec. 16, 2014 by the Better Government Association and its recently created Springfield Advisory Board.

During the event, which was held at the Sangamo Club in Springfield and entitled “Bruce, Budget Blues & BGA”, Rauner stated that years of mounting unpaid bills, “accounting shenanigans” and irresponsible borrowing have contributed to a messy budget process and Illinois’ ongoing fiscal woes.

His new administration will seek to correct these problems by focusing on structural reforms, such as comprehensive overhaul of the tax code, Rauner told an audience of nearly 150 people.

Marilyn Kushak, chair of the BGA Springfield Advisory Board, opened the event by introducing Andy Shaw, CEO and president of the BGA, who moderated a brief question and answer session with the governor-elect.

Following Rauner’s speech, Shaw and Mike Lawrence, former journalist, president of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, and press secretary for ex-Governor Jim Edgar’s administration as well as a BGA Advisory Board member, analyzed the Governor-elect’s statements and discussed his administration’s objectives.

The event was also carried live on radio station WMAY-AM.

“Bruce, Budget Blues & BGA” is part of the BGA’s initiative to expand its advocacy and civic engagement efforts to the state’s capital.

Key to that effort is the formation of the advisory board that includes leading Springfield-based civic, business and non-profit leaders.