Lawmakers made no serious attempt to balance the new budget, instead counting on a federal bailout. They accepted an $1,800 raise for themselves, while only making significant cuts to education.
Illinois lawmakers pass Election Day holiday for government workers only
Election Day 2020 would be a paid holiday for all government workers – at an unknown cost to already ailing local governments.
Illinois lawmakers returning to deal with $7B budget hole, COVID-19 fallout
What to watch for as the Illinois General Assembly convenes for the first time in more than two months.
Rauner signs bill prohibiting cost-of-living adjustments for lawmakers
HB 643 will prevent the $50,000 daily cost of special sessions from rising even higher in fiscal year 2018.
Illinois House lacks quorum for second consecutive day
The Illinois House of Representatives has lacked a quorum for two straight days, rendering it unable to vote to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the tax hike and budget plan passed by the General Assembly. The Illinois Senate passed the budget plan and tax hike and overrode the governor’s veto on July 4.
Day 9: Illinois House and Senate adjourn special session after 12 minutes
Nine days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $450,000 for just over two hours of work.
Day 8: Illinois House and Senate adjourn special session after 12 minutes
Eight days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $400,000 for just over two hours of work.
Day 7: Illinois House and Senate adjourn special session after 11 minutes for second consecutive day
Seven days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $350,000 for less than 2 hours of work.
Day 6: Illinois House and Senate adjourn special session after 11 minutes
Six days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $300,000 for less than 100 minutes of work.
Day 5: Illinois House and Senate adjourn special session after only 17 minutes
Five days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $250,000 for less than 90 minutes of work.