Macomb, IL – In an interview with Tri States Public Radio, State Representative Rich Myers (R-Colchester) called the spending plan approved by Illinois lawmakers last week irresponsible. Myers opposes the use of pension fund money to balance the budget. He's not sure what could be cut from the budget, but says Republicans were willing to consider an expansion of gaming to generate more revenue. Myers says western Illinois will benefit from the education budget and through added mass transit funding for Macomb. But he says the region will be hurt by the continued late payments to Medicaid providers and by the lack of additional funding for WIU.