House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, center, R-Western Springs, on the House floor Wednesday, June 21, 2017 on the first day of a special session. Gov. Bruce Rauner called lawmakers to Springfield in an effort to reach a budget deal before the end of the month. (Rich Saal/The State Journal-Register via AP)/The State Journal-Register via AP)
The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois lawmakers remain deeply divided after the second day of a special session aimed at approving a state budget.
The Democrat-controlled House and Senate met briefly Thursday. The House later held a hearing on changes to workers' compensation laws, though Republicans called it a "stall tactic."
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to reduce workers' compensation costs for employers and other pro-business changes as part of a budget deal. Democrats say his changes would hurt workers.
Rauner called the special session to force a deal before July 1. Otherwise, Illinois will enter its third year without a budget.
Senate Democrats are pushing a $37.3 billion plan that includes cuts and an income tax increase.
Republicans want a plan that includes Rauner's changes along with an income tax increase.
Rep. David Harris, R-Mount Prospect, slips on his suit coat as the special session is called to order at the Capitol Wednesday, June 21, 2017 in Springfield, Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner called lawmakers to Springfield for a 10-day session in an effort to reach a budget deal before the end of the fiscal year June 30. (Rich Saal/The State Journal-Register via AP)
The Associated Press
House Speaker Michael Madigan, center, D-Chicago, walks to a Democratic caucus meeting Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the Capitol in Springfield, Ill. Lawmakers are back in Springfield for a 10-day special session called by Gov. Bruce Rauner in an effort to reach a budget deal before the end of the fiscal year on June 30. (Rich Saal/The State Journal-Register via AP)
The Associated Press