SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Senate President John Cullerton says his chamber has previously accomplished everything Gov. Bruce Rauner has outlined on a special session agenda called to force a budget deal.
Cullerton told reporters Friday that special sessions are a “political stunt” to offer the governor political cover. Cullerton says the budget the Democrat-controlled Senate approved draws on Rauner’s ideas.
The Republican governor called session to try to force a deal before July 1, when Illinois could enter its third year without a budget. Rauner says he supports a proposed GOP budget.
House Speaker Michael Madigan has scheduled a Friday hearing on a property tax freeze Rauner wants but Democrats say could hurt schools and local governments.
Not passing a budget could trigger a downgrade of Illinois’ credit rating to “junk” status, among other things.
