The Illinois Labor Relations Board on July 7 denied Gov. Bruce Rauner’s request to expedite contract-negotiation impasse proceedings between the state and AFSCME. Thus, impasse proceedings continue to drag on, giving the union more time to prepare for a potential strike, costing state taxpayers an additional $35 million to $40 million per month in AFSCME worker health benefits, and impeding progress on reining in the state’s out-of-control spending.

AFSCME is demanding pay hikes, better health care coverage and pension benefits over a new, four-year contract, which would cost state taxpayers $3 billion more than what the state is offering.