News Local/State

Legislators Face Tough Votes After Spring Break

 

Illinois lawmakers have left Springfield for a two-week Spring Break before their final eight-week push toward resolving the state's most pressing problems.

Legislators went on break Friday after arguably making some progress this week toward fixing Illinois' nearly $100 billion pension crisis that is derailing the state's budget.

But they have yet to find traction on the proposed approval of same-sex marriage and a contentious oil-drilling practice.

Lawmakers will attempt to regulate the carrying of concealed weapons upon their return from break. They face a summer deadline imposed by a federal court to that struck down Illinois' conceal carry ban in December.   

Also looming is yet another push for a gambling expansion calling for five new casinos and the need to approve a budget.