Illinois: Legislators Close to Special Session Sine Die?

Some Illinois legislators have said they are not sure last Friday’s passage of a $59 billion operating budget after 10 weeks of special session marks the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end of the budget struggle with Gov. Rod Blagojevich—paraphrasing the famous words of Winston Churchill.

The budget plan provides a significant $600 million increase for schools, but includes no new money for the Chicago Transit Authority and other initiatives called for by Blagojevich. Although the budget passed the House 99-9 last Thursday and a similar proposal passed the Senate 52-5 early Friday morning, many believe the budget will be vetoed by Blagojevich. Because the Senate amended the proposal before passage, the budget proposal must go back to the House for a concurrence vote before it will be sent to the governor for action.

There is also talk about the governor striking a deal with legislators to sign the budget deal and come back into session in September to address the needs of the cash-strapped CTA and some of Blagojevich’s other proposals, most specifically his health-care initiative.

Direct questions to NAMIC State Affairs Manager Tami Stanton.

Posted: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 12:00:00 AM. Modified: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 9:47:45 AM.

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