Gov. Bruce Rauner has proposed big cuts to try and close a $6 billion budget gap, all the while traveling the state promoting a right-to-work agenda. We go one-on-one with the governor about his many controversial proposals in his first Chicago Tonight interview since the election.

Late last month, the Illinois Legislature passed a stopgap budget fix to plug a $1.6 billion deficit and avoid running out of money before the end of Fiscal Year 2015. With Fiscal Year 2016 starting July 1, the legislature is focused on refining the budget proposed by Gov. Bruce Rauner in February. We discuss where budget negotiations are with a panel of lawmakers.

The Illinois House of Representatives passed a stopgap budget fix to plug a $1.6 billion deficit and avoid running out of money for day care programs and prison guards. Our panel analyzes this rare display of bipartisan cooperation. 

A House Committee has passed a temporary fix to the state budget shortfall so day care providers and prison guards will be paid. Chicago Tonight Springfield reporter Amanda Vinicky has the details.

Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders are trying to find ways to close a gap in the current year's budget and will soon start debating the governor's austere proposal for the coming fiscal year. We talk with lawmakers about what to expect.

Budget & Jackie Robinson West Lawyer

We share what you had to say about Gov. Rauner's budget address, the Civic Federation's five-year budget roadmap, and our interview with Victor Henderson, the attorney representing the Jackie Robinson West Little League, in tonight's viewer feedback.

Gov. Bruce Rauner reveals his fiscal plans for the state today. What spending cuts should Illinois residents anticipate and how does Rauner plan to dig the state out of a colossal hole of debt? Illinois Public Radio's Statehouse Bureau Chief Amanda Vinicky breaks down Rauner's budget address.

Gov. Bruce Rauner releases his budget for the coming fiscal year. We'll analyze his priorities with fiscal experts, and discuss how likely he is to get the Democratically controlled General Assembly to see things his way.

Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration has been tight-lipped about its first budget proposal, as it grapples with a potential $6 billion hole for next year. But, sources familiar with the plan say the pain will be spread far and wide, with $1.5 billion in cuts expected in the state's Medicaid program, and $387 million to higher education, a 31 percent reduction.

Donna Arduin Praised, Panned for Work on State Finances

Gov. Bruce Rauner lauds Donna Arduin as “the best [budget person] in America,” justifying an eye-opening four-month contract that will pay her firm $120,000 to provide “consulting services” on this year and next year’s budget.

With just two days until Gov. Bruce Rauner delivers his first budget address, analysts are debating how best to tackle Illinois’ massive budget deficit. The Institute for Illinois' Fiscal Sustainability at the Civic Federation has released a five-year state budget roadmap that it says will stabilize Illinois while protecting important government services.

The Institute for Illinois' Fiscal Sustainability at the Civic Federation has released a five-year state budget roadmap that it says will stabilize Illinois while protecting important government services. The group says its plan will eliminate the state's unpaid bills by Fiscal Year 2020 and make sure state budgets are balanced.

While the talk today is about the governor's executive order on unions, a projected $2 billion budget deficit still goes unsolved. We have the latest details.

Gov. Bruce Rauner steps up the attack on public employee unions with an executive order allowing members to opt out and not pay union dues if they so choose.

New Gov. Bruce Rauner addresses the massive budget challenges ahead. Just how does the state plan to pay its bills? We will have the details.

The state of Illinois' finances are in dire straits with a $9 billion deficit that continues to grow. Richard Dye, co-director of University of Illinois' Fiscal Futures Project, discusses how we got into this hole and how we can find our way out.