Senate Advances 1-Month Budget; Rauner Likely To Oppose

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Senate has advanced a one-month spending plan that Democrats say will allow critical services to continue as Illinois enters a new fiscal year.

Lawmakers approved the $2.3 billion plan 37-0 on Wednesday, with 11 lawmakers voting “present.” It now moves to the House, where debate on a parallel bill is underway.

But full passage is uncertain. Gov. Bruce Rauner and other Republicans say the plan is unconstitutional because it would lead to another unbalanced budget.

Democrats say the measure will provide money for Medicaid, veterans’ homes, meals for the elderly and more through July.

Rauner and Democrats were unable to agree on a 2016 budget before the fiscal year began Wednesday, creating fears of a partial government shutdown.

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