By Illinois Public Radio/AP
Springfield, Ill. – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is considering cutting more than $2 billion from next year's state budget, but that would still leave a nearly $11.5 billion deficit.
That's according to preliminary information the governor released Wednesday. A new web site, budget.illinois.gov, suggests cuts to everything from education to public safety.
Quinn's Budget Director David Vaught said the outlook is dire but realistic.
"These are not just efficiency cuts," Vaught said. "There are real cuts that effect real services to real people in communities all over the state. But the numbers are bad and the numbers are there for everyone to comment on and give us their suggestions."
Vaught said Quinn will get into more specifics during his March 10 budget speech.