Rauner Will Tell Trump Not To Fully Repeal Affordable Care Act
By aaroncynic in News on Feb 3, 2017 9:27PM
Governor Bruce Rauner outside the Director's Lawn at the Illinois State Fair in August 2016. Photo by Aaron Cynic
Gov. Bruce Rauner isn’t exactly supportive of President Donald Trump and other Republicans plans to immediately repeal the Affordable Care Act, which has been one of many of the Administration’s top priorities.
In an interview with the Daily Herald’s Editorial Board, Rauner said his office had been in “close communication” with the administration on the matter, and that he’d leverage those connections to advocate for the more than 1 million Illinoisans who are insured through the program.
“We have strongly recommended that they just don't remove the Affordable Care Act. I think we need to have something (in place)," said Rauner.
The comments aren’t the first tepid criticism the governor has made of Trump’s edicts. At a seminar hosted by the billionaire Koch brothers last weekend, Rauner said he had “concerns” about the president’s executive order that bans refugees and other immigrants from several countries.
“The governor has been supportive of tightening the vetting process for Syrian refugees because of ISIS attempts to infiltrate refugee flows — but he's opposed to immigration bans that target any specific religion,” said a statement from the governor's office.
The governor also made remarks Thursday about the state budget impasse—which has dragged on so long it’s almost become the status quo for Illinois. In an interview with the Rockford Register Star’s Editorial Board, Rauner praised Senate leaders for “taking a step forward.” “I also applaud the House,” which has said we should have tax reform, he added.
Despite the mild pat on the back Rauner quickly returned to familiar talking points, demanding legislators accept at least parts of his “Turnaround” agenda before moving forward with a budget.
"We'll never solve our fiscal problems unless we grow our economy,” said the governor. "If we continue to run deficits and raise taxes, that won't cut it,” adding that the budget needs “"cuts, revenue and structural changes.