Illinois Governor: Shutdown Worth Pain if it Brings Change

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner says a partial state government shutdown is worth the pain if it brings fundamental change to business and politics in Illinois.

The Republican told reporters Tuesday morning that “change is hard … but we need to have change.” Rauner addressed workers at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency one day before the state begins a new fiscal year without a budget agreement.

Rauner insists on changes he says will make it cheaper to do business and to free politics from corruption before agreeing with the Democratic-controlled legislature. Democrats say it’s more important to have a budget in place so state services aren’t interrupted.

The Illinois House later Tuesday plans to hear testimony from agency officials about preparations for a disruption in state services because of the budget impasse.

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