SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says work continues to “root out” improper patronage hiring in state government.

The Republican told reporters Monday that he wants to expand the staff of the executive inspector general but the lack of a state budget has slowed that effort. Rauner trumpeted the dismissal of 29 remaining “staff assistants” at the Illinois Department of Transportation. The inspector general declared in a report two years ago that hundreds of people had been hired improperly at IDOT under two previous Democratic governors.

Rauner says improper patronage hiring is occurring in “virtually every department.”

Steve Brown is spokesman for Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. He says Democrats are willing to take steps necessary to ensure proper hiring.