By Eric Stock

SPRINGFIELD – The third day of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s special session is Friday, but it’s still unclear if there will be any movement on a budget.

Rauner told WJBC’s Patti Penn the first two days of the session have been a ‘waste of time.’

“Unfortunately, so far the majority that controls General Assembly, they have done nothing in this special session, they have wasted the first two days,” Rauner said. “We are going to stay on them. We’ve got to get a balanced budget.”

There was an hours-long hearing in the House focused on workers’ compensation reforms on day two, but no movement on a budget. A House hearing on a proposed property tax freeze is expected on Friday.

“Unfortunately, it’s been a waste of time,” Rauner said. “This is a showing of bad faith on the part of the majority. They seem to just rather have no budget and have chaos.”

Rauner was asked when he last met with House Speaker Mike Madigan. The governor said their staffs have been meeting almost daily.

Lawmakers have until the end of the month to pass a balanced budget.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
Illinois Radio Network contributed to this report.