Lawmakers reject cuts proposed earlier

[May 26, 2010]  SPRINGFIELD -- A day after a coalition of Democratic lawmakers proposed $1.3 billion in cuts in an effort to dig the state out of a $13 billion hole, all but $200 million in cuts on Tuesday were slapped down in various House committees.

Measures calling for cuts to elementary and secondary education, executive and state agency operations, and salaries for part-time boards and commissions were either vigorously rejected or simply removed from consideration. Cuts calling for $200 million to the state's Medicaid program, however, were approved.

A call for "tough love" for state retirees by requiring them to contribute to paying their health insurance premiums got a thumbs-down.

Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Des Plaines, spearheaded the effort to make the cuts but stressed they were the lesser of two evils, especially for the state's public schools and universities, which were slated for a $400 million reduction. However, both elementary and higher education school officials are struggling under the burden of millions of dollars in late state payments.

"I don't pretend to think that any of this is popular or is my preference, that I'm here banging the drum for whacking education, but again I think that allowing districts some predictability is better than the option they have right now, which is that we just don't pay the bills," Nekritz said.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan told lawmakers her agency couldn't take another budget hit since she has recently lost 13 attorneys to higher-paying positions in other agencies or other states.

"I obviously am not pleased with the concept of a significant cut to the budget," she said.

The package of cuts was touted by the group of Democrats as a credible option and seemed to have the blessing of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, who offered his own amendments recommending reductions from executive and General Assembly operations and eliminating pay for state boards and commissions. However, some Republicans called his proposals a stunt, since Madigan oversaw the "no vote" withdrawal of his proposals.

House lawmakers returned to the state Capitol on Monday, after both chambers temporarily adjourned two weeks earlier after a budget stalemate. Finding a way to make the state's nearly $44 billion pension payment has been the primary focus of the two days.

The Senate is scheduled to return to Springfield on Wednesday.

[Illinois Statehouse News; By MARY MASSINGALE]