As we get ready to welcome 2018, let's take time to review another wild year in Illinois government and politics. We heard state Senators trying to craft a “grand bargain” to end the budget impasse — and 16 Republicans breaking with the governor to do just that. It was also the start of campaign season, and a time of increasing anger by and about politicians. Here now are some of the voices that made news in 2017.

The labor union representing Illinois prison guards says assaults on staff are way up — and state officials aren’t doing enough about it.

Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) — the biggest labor union representing Illinois state workers — have taken a big step toward a possible strike.
 
The state council of AFSMCE reported Thursday that union members voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike.

Illinois legislators will return to Springfield Tuesday, leaving them one last day to get a budget deal in order. This year's spending plan expires at midnight on June 30. Not only is there no long-term agreement, there's no sign of a provisional one either.