Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget director, appearing before members of a House budget oversight panel Tuesday, apologized for any “misunderstanding” in how the governor’s budget decisions have been explained to lawmakers.
“That issue is of great importance to me,” said Tim Nuding, director of Rauner’s office of management and budget. “I feel I have communicated through all channels. I apologize if there was a misunderstanding. It troubles me greatly that we have a miscommunication on that issue.”
Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, chairman of the General Services Appropriations Committee, said the administration is going to need the good will of all lawmakers moving forward to tackle the budget problems still facing the state.
“If we keep seeing these surprises going forward, that good will is not going to be there,” Crespo said.
Committee members said Tuesday they want more details from the Rauner administration about how his budget cuts were decided and how money from a budget bailout bill is being used.
It was the first hearing of the committee formed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, after an outcry from lawmakers who felt they were misled by the Republican governor in trying to fill a $1.6 billion hole in the current state budget.
Lawmakers approved a plan that many felt would plug the hole while saving some programs from cuts. However, days after the plan was approved, the Rauner administration cut another $26 million in human services and public health spending, including for autism programs, cancer screenings for the poor and burial services for the indigent.
“A lot of hard feelings are people felt very surprised by various actions,” said Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, chairman of the Human Services Appropriations Committee. “I think some of the surprises could have been eliminated.”
Nuding said he thought he was clear with lawmakers and staff that the budget bailout bill was only one part of the solution. He said the administration would continue its policy of reviewing grants that can be frozen to save the state money through the end of the fiscal year June 30.
Shortly after taking office in January, Rauner said his administration would be reviewing spending with a goal toward eliminating “non-essential” spending.
“Who determines or recommends what is non-essential?” Crespo asked.
The bill approved by lawmakers allows Rauner to take $1.3 billion from special state funds to balance the budget. It provided additional money for subsidized day care and to pay prison guards while also calling for small, across-the-board cuts to most programs.
However, Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, said he couldn’t get the numbers to add up based on the administration’s explanation of how the money is being used. He is demanding the administration provide more details about plans for spending the $1.3 billion in fund-sweep money.
Bradley also wants a list of grant programs that were spared by the administration, not just those that were cut, along with an explanation of the process used to determine what was cut and the criteria used for deciding those cuts.
— Contact Doug Finke: doug.finke@sj-r.com, 788-1527, twitter.com/dougfinkesjr.