Illinois lawmakers remain at impasse at one-week deadline

Michael Madigan
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan says Gov. Rauner has the opportunity to pass a property tax freeze he had requested. (WJBC file photo)

By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Moderate, not extreme.

That’s how House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) said he believes Gov. Bruce Rauner should act in dealing with the budget.

“For the fifth time, the Rauner Republicans in the House were given an opportunity to vote for a real estate tax freeze,” Madigan told reporters after Tuesday’s session. “And for the fifth time, the Rauner Republicans in the House declined to take advantage of that opportunity.

“Number Two: We passed the governor’s version of the privatization of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.”

The governor has several veto options he could choose if he does not want to sign the budget bill as is.

Lawmakers have until July 1 to adopt a budget for the start of the next fiscal year.

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