Illinois Senate expected to reject lawmaker salary increase

Earlier on Tuesday, social service agencies that rely on state funding held a press conference in the state capitol in Springfield warning that if the budget impasse continues, the nonprofit groups will have to lay off workers and curtail critical programs. He says all communities should be allowed to decide what issues they collectively bargain with public employees.

Gov. Bruce Rauner said Wednesday there will be no “special deals for Chicago” as Senate Democrats passed a proposal that would temporarily freeze property taxes statewide. The bill will help fund programs that provide food and child care, help pay utility bills for low-income families, support domestic violence victims, and aid the disabled.

The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees on Tuesday announced it had received notices involving 94 state employees in the following departments.

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner says the Illinois Senate’s version of property tax relief is not what he had in mind. “And teachers union says no we’re not”, Rauner said.

AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall said Rauner’s actions “have not matched his words”. “I would have already done it”, Rauner said. He also said “our union is committed to reaching an agreement at the table”.

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said the layoffs are a result of Democrats sending Rauner a budget that’s $4 billion short of revenue.

The measure applies to the state’s flagship museum in Springfield, as well as museums, cultural centers and galleries at Dickson Mounds, Rend Lake, Lockport and Chicago.

The state Senate on Wednesday easily passed a measure to halt a 2 percent cost-of-living increase for lawmakers and other top state officials. The departments and number of positions listed were: Natural Resources, 54; Commerce Commission, 24: Commerce and Economic Opportunity, 9; and Emergency Management Agency, 7. The House had approved the bill last week, 101-1.

By a separate 7-2 vote, the commission also rejected Rauner’s proposal to close the downstate Department of Corrections’ Hardin County Work Camp.