Illinois Public Media News

State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) a 20-year veteran of the Illinois General Assembly, talks about what it might take to reach a budget agreement in Springfield.

Layoff notices are going out to 200 non-instructional employees at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, while members of the union representing faculty and academic employees consider an administration request to take unpaid furlough days.

Gov. Bruce Rauner says he wants to get the state out of legal agreements called consent decrees. The deals are a big part of the reason the government is still operating without a budget; they also impact the lives of thousands of Illinois residents. But unless you are affected by one, you've probably never heard of them.

The three excessive force lawsuit settlements involving police officer Matt Rush total $320,000.  Concerned citizens have been calling for for Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz to file charges against Rush. Council members also may lobby with Urbana leaders for changes in the police union arbitration process.

Illinois is on track to fall more than $6 billion further into debt amid the months-long budget stalemate. Comptroller Leslie Munger says spending will outpace last year's rates by $1.2 billion, which also includes a $5 billion revenue drop from the rolled back temporary income tax increase.