News Local/State

Madigan Cancels Session, Urges ‘Working Groups’ On Budget

 
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks to reporters in his office at the Illinois State Capitol Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in Springfield.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks to reporters in his office at the Illinois State Capitol Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in Springfield. Seth Perlman/Associated Press

Gov. Bruce Rauner says he doesn't want to call the General Assembly into special session for votes on a budget even though there are just 10 days left in the fiscal year. The Republican told reporters Tuesday that special sessions in the recent past have produced only hotter tempers.

Rauner says he'll "evaluate options" in the coming days to avoid the shutdown of ongoing projects and delays to the opening of public schools.

The first-term governor has bickered for more than a year with Democrats who control the Legislature over spending plans.

He wants Democrats to vote on a stop-gap government-services plan and one to fund schools.

He criticized House Democrats for canceling for a third time a planned Wednesday session. Democrats say negotiations among working lawmaker groups are progressing.