CHICAGO (AP) — Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner says the next two years are going to be “very rough” because of Illinois’ financial troubles and he won’t be “Mr. Popularity” for a while.

Rauner spoke Monday before the Illinois Farm Bureau.

The Winnetka Republican didn’t detail what unpopular steps he may take.

This year’s $35.7 billion state budget is billions short of what’s needed. Next year’s budget gap will be worse. That’s partially because Illinois’ income tax rate is scheduled to drop from 5 to 3.75 percent on Jan. 1.

Rauner says he plans to manage the budget with the 3.75 percent rate. But he says “nothing will be off the table.”

He’s previously said he may be open to a higher tax rate, but wants it to drop to 3 percent within four years.

 

 

 

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.