Illinois: Republican reformer vetoes Democrats' unbalanced and unconstitutional budget

"Proposed expenditures shall not exceed funds estimated to be available for the fiscal year as shown in the budget." Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 2.

The bad old days are ending in Springfield--thanks to reform governor Bruce Rauner.

From ABC News:

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the bulk of the Illinois budget Thursday that the Democratic-controlled Legislature sent him, increasing the likelihood that some state services could be disrupted when the fiscal year begins next week.

The new governor, in constant battle with powerful lawmakers for six weeks, announced he had vetoed 19 budget bills because even Democrats acknowledge they fall short on revenue by $3 billion to $4 billion.

"For too long, the state of Illinois has made spending promises that exceed available revenues, relied on accounting gimmicks to make budgets appear balanced, used borrowing and cost deferral strategies to push costs into the future, and delayed payments to vendors," Rauner said in his veto message.