Illinois' powerful House speaker is staking an early claim in what's sure to be a contentious budget battle.
Billions of dollars in cuts proposed by Republican Governor Bruce Rauner already have spurred rallies at the capitol, and groups foretell of grave consequences.
House Speaker Michael Madigan says he acknowledges Illinois is in a difficult budget situation, but there's one area in particular he wants to spend more on: state crime labs.
Madigan, a Democrat, proposes pumping an additional $6 million into labs, so evidence could be processed faster. In a press release, Madigan says delays in processing evidence that may have allowed rapists to go free should be a "call to action."
Madigan has said he doesn't believe Illinois can balance its next budget with cuts alone, but Gov. Rauner says he won't consider a tax hike until Illinois government is more efficient.
