Election-year politics dim hopes of Illinois budget deal
Posted May 29, 2016 7:00 am
CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders are fighting over how to resolve the nation's only remaining state budget deadlock.
But they're also keeping a constant eye on the November election, and how each vote and each statement can help or hurt them come Election Day.
The election-focused politics are a major reason Illinois doesn't have a state budget nearly 11 months into the fiscal year. It's also why lawmakers likely aren't motivated to pass a deal for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1, before lawmakers adjourn their spring session Tuesday.
Each side is preparing to spend millions as Rauner and other Republicans campaign to weaken the Democrats' years-long dominance in the General Assembly.
FILE - In this May 17, 2016 file photo, Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, speaks to lawmakers during session at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill.The politically heightened atmosphere of Springfield this year is a major reason Illinois doesn't have a state budget nearly 11 months into the fiscal year. It's also why there likely won't be a deal for next year before lawmakers adjourn their spring session on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)
The Associated Press
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