By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network

CHICAGO – The governor’s office no-showed a revenue hearing, supposedly because it took place in Chicago. Yet at the same time the hearing was taking place, Gov. Bruce Rauner was speaking just across the street.

State Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion) bashed the governor’s office for not sending anyone to answer questions from the House Revenue and Finance Committee on how much money the state has already spent this year despite the absence of a budget agreement.

“The governor lives in Chicago, I live in Marion, the administration has offices across the street,” Bradley said. “It’s one thing to disrespect individual members and it’s another to disrespect the process. It’s another to disrespect the constitution.”

Rauner said his primary residence is the Executive Mansion, but he was across the street at the Thompson Center in Chicago at the very same time the hearing was taking place. He says his administration had requested the hearing be moved to the Capitol.

“Let’s hold these hearings in Springfield, where our administration actually works,” Rauner said.

When asked why he was in Chicago Monday at the same time the hearing was held, Rauner said it was to discuss new legislation consolidating several items from his agenda into one bill.