With no budget deal in place, Illinois' General Assembly returns Tuesday.
The Democrats who control the legislature have already approved a spending plan. But that's on hold. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner says he won't go along with the out-of-balance budget; he'll only discuss the tax hikes required to help fund it if his pro-business agenda is passed.
The Illinois House will focus on one item from Rauner's wish-list: partially privatizing the state's Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Back in the spring, DCEO Director Jim Schultz told legislators it would create a new culture:
"A more dynamic, more energized culture that is consistent with what we've seen in other states."
Critics say that could lead to a misuse of state funds.
The Senate, meanwhile, will spend its time in a special hearing dedicated to college affordability.
Rauner's proposed budget reduces higher education funding by at least 30-percent; he says administrative costs should be cut. Democrats say that'll force a tuition hike; their budget's cuts are far less severe.