The Illinois House executive committee has ok'd a one-month temporary budget plan. The full House is scheduled to take another run at a one-month, $2.3 billion state spending plan on Thursday. Rauner has indicated he'd veto a short-term budget.The House voted on a similar plan last week but it fell four votes short. State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) says he believes the House will approve a one-month temporary budget this time to allow state workers to receive their paychecks as a budget impasse drags on.
Governor Rauner explains why he vetoed the spending plan outright rather than leave in workers' salaries.
"That budget was $4 billion in the hole," Rauner said of the plan lawmakers passed in May. "We need major changes in that budget, and to go through (it via) line-item veto doesn't make sense. What's very easy right now is to pass a continuing appropriation for state employees (to be paid)."
A Cook County court ruled Tuesday that without a budget, paychecks to workers cannot be cut after mid-July.
Gov. Bruce Rauner Wednesday said he'll set aside his distaste for tax increases and approve one if the Legislature approves his turnaround agenda.
State Senator Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) says Rauner is showing his willingness to compromise and find ways to move the state away from the failed policies of the past.
Phelps says he doesn't understand why the governor continues to push his reforms when they have no support in the General Assembly.
The Senate returns next week.
