Rauner signs changes to Illinois’ juvenile justice system

“Here is where the governor’s advocacy of that position bumps up against core beliefs of both Democrats and Republicans”, said State Rep. Mike Madigan, D-House Speaker.

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly says the administration notified public-employee unions this week that the layoffs will be effective September 30. But he said last week “Nobody’s gonna sue”. Union officials say layoffs could be avoided if Rauner would drop his “extreme political agenda”.

“The governor’s actions have not matched his words”. Also, the governor – while expressing his opposition to the Senate bill – lashed out at calls to treat CPS differently than other school districts in the state. In his veto message, Rauner said the bill was unconstitutional and would allow an arbitrator who does not answer to voters to decide a contract that would cost the state more than $1 billion.

Legislation offered by Senate President John Cullerton for a temporary local property tax freeze, coupled with pension payment help for the cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools passed the chamber over Republicans objections that it left out cost-saving elements of Rauner’s proposal. “We think we need a little time to completely understand the impact of the bill”, he said. He also said “our union is committed to reaching an agreement at the table”. “I would have already done it”, Rauner said.

Lawmakers make a base salary of about $68,000 per year.

A hearing on the museum closures, as well as the closure of the Hardin County Work Camp, is scheduled for Wednesday morning before the Commission on Government Accountability and Forecasting.

About $330 million for the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance program, by way of the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Case in point is the pay raise lawmakers are set to receive and now most likely won’t, if the Senate follows the House this week and votes to reject it. Was there ever a question that this had to happen?

State Sen. Heather Steans, a Chicago Democrat and chairwoman of a Senate appropriations committee, said human services will continue to suffer, even with access to the federal funds, and she hopes lawmakers negotiate a full budget soon.