The bulk of the measures that could make up a new Illinois budget are now in Governor Bruce Rauner's hands.
Rauner was disparaging of the spending plan approved late last month by Democrats because it spends billions more than the state has.
"Our people deserve so much better,” Rauner said. “Not another phony budget."
But there could be trouble if Rauner vetoes the measures. Illinois's current budget expires in a little more than a week. The state would lose ability to pay its bills without a new budget. Rauner is tying the current spending plan to a series of ideas he says will make the state more competitive. Until then, he says he won't discuss revenue that could fill the budget shortfall. Democrats say the governor needs to focus on immediate fiscal needs.
A week ago, the Illinois House spent hours debating Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's idea to partially privatize the state's department of commerce.
House Speaker Michael Madigan said then he's open to the concept -- on a trial-basis.
"We're going to insist that the legislature be in a position to examine the results," Madigan said.
Madigan's spokesman says the House could vote on that today. He also says the House may take up a property tax freeze -- again.
It's another of Rauner's top demands. But several previous tries fell to defeat.
The entire Senate will meet today to debate requiring businesses to cover paid sick leave, and to discuss a minimum wage hike -- just a couple of the many areas where there’s disagreement between the Republican governor and the Democrats who dominate the legislature.
