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Black Legislators Say Cuts Hit Minority Communities Hardest

African American legislators say the impoverished parts of the state will be most affected by budget cuts.

Dangerous and Draconian. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus uses those words to explain $26 million Governor Bruce Rauner recently suspended in state grants.  He's proposed more cuts for next year.
 

Senator Kim Lightford says Rauner's cuts will be devastating in four main areas public safety, education, health and the economy. 

"It's really really really really really really bad. There's some other words I'll like to say instead of that but I'll just stick with I cannot imagine the Governor knows how the impact will happen on so many individuals in need."
 

The Democrat from Maywood says fellow black lawmakers are concerned about the hit to minority communities.
Rauner, a Republican, says Illinois has overspent for years and he's determined to stay within budget limits.

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