There was another setback Wednesday for efforts to end Illinois' budget stalemate. Senate Democrats attempted a series of test votes on items in the so-called “grand bargain.” But Republicans refused to go along, saying more negotiation is needed to reach a deal they can support.
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner continues to insist he is not responsible for derailing the state Senate's so-called grand bargain. But Democrats say he pulled Republican votes off the bipartisan deal ... which was trying to end Illinois' budget stalemate. Both assertions cannot be true — so we asked Statehouse reporter Brian Mackey to investigate.
The spring legislative session is in full swing under the shadow of a failed Grand Bargain, which aimed to end a 20-month stretch without a budget. Bills proposed are diverse, including lobbyist ethics, an Obama holiday, wage theft and animal welfare.
More than 100 people filled the Carpenters' Local 243 Hall in Champaign to get an update on the budget impasse, and ask questions of State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).
On the 21st: Law enforcement officials raided Caterpillar headquarters this morning. We talked about that and discussed the collapse of the 'grand bargain' and what's on the horizon for Illinois lawmakers. Plus, we got tips on how to protect your early-emerging plants from the upcoming freezing temperatures and learned about a new digital magazine about the history of Latinos in baseball.
