You might think that with the state of Illinois’ finances in flames, the top legislative leaders would be in constant meetings with the governor. You might think they were working around the clock to hammer out a compromise.
As Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic legislative leaders go back and forth over the governor’s policy agenda and topics like lawmakers’ pay dominate the news cycle, it is easy to lose sight of the actual budget.
Former Illinois governor Jim Edgar spoke with Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline about the similarities between his first budget battle with House Speaker Michael Madigan, and the current standoff between Madigan and Governor Bruce Rauner.
Democrats did pass several spending bills before the end of the regular session, but the state doesn’t have the money to fully back them up. Rauner says he won’t consider new revenue until the General Assembly approves at least some of his business-friendly agenda.
Rauner, a Republican, is in a battle of wills and political might with Democratic leadership: House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton. They're at odds over the budget, business practices, union rights and more, and it's been widely reported that Rauner is planning to once again win over the public using the strategy that helped him get elected, TV commercials.
