The Latest: Senate approves appointment of Mautino
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The latest on action at the state Capitol, where both the Illinois House and Senate are in an overtime session (all times local):
2 p.m.
The Illinois Senate has approved a resolution naming state Rep. Frank Mautino as the next auditor general.
The Senate voted 55-0 to approve the appointment of Mautino, a Democrat from Spring Valley, for the non-partisan post.
He replaces William Holland, the auditor general since 1992 who's retiring at year's end.
The 53-year-old Mautino would be in charge of audits of all state agencies and commissions.
His appointment must also be approved by the House.
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1:15 p.m.
A House committee has OK'd a plan to free up money from accounts other than the general revenue fund to distribute for special purposes during the budget impasse.
The Executive Committee voted 9-2 Tuesday to appropriate money from motor fuel taxes that is owed local governments, along with Gaming Fund money from admissions and wager taxes, wireless phone taxes to support 911 services and more.
The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Martin Moylan, a Des Plaines Democrat. He says it gets money supported by specific taxes and fees to their intended sources.
Democrats in the Legislature and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner have been unable to agree on a budget plan.
Rauner's office says he rejects Moylan's plan because he wants an overall budget agreed on at once.
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12:30 p.m.
Democratic lawmakers are criticizing Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and his picks to lead the Illinois State Board of Education after school officials didn't show for a hearing on the state superintendent's contract.
Rep. Jack Franks called Tuesday's hearing to question why Superintendent Tony Smith is receiving a stipend worth thousands of dollars on top of his $225,000 salary.
The board says the stipend is needed to make up for a less-generous pension plan for newer hires.
Board Chairman James Meeks sent Franks a letter Monday saying he wouldn't attend the hearing but will discuss the request at the board's Wednesday meeting.
Franks, a Marengo Democrat, says not showing up is "a huge sign of disrespect" toward lawmakers and taxpayers.
Rauner's office didn't respond to a request for comment.
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12:20 p.m.
The Illinois House could take up a resolution appointing state Rep. Frank Mautino as the state's next auditor general.
Earlier this month a bipartisan panel selected the longtime Democratic lawmaker from among three other finalists. The resolution that could come up Tuesday says his term would start in January of next year.
Mautino's job would be overseeing audits of state agencies. He must be approved by a three-fifth vote in the Illinois House and Senate.
Mautino has represented parts or all of Bureau, LaSalle, Livingston and Putnam counties since 1991 and served as deputy majority leader since 2011.
Auditor General William Holland announced in June that he'll retire Dec. 31. He's been auditor general since 1992.
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The resolution is HJR0100.
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12:05 p.m.
An Illinois House committee has approved a plan backed by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel giving some homeowners a tax break as he seeks a massive city property tax increase.
Supporters say the doubled property tax exemption makes the $543 million hike more equitable. The legislation approved Tuesday and proposed by House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie doubles the homestead exemption in Chicago from $7,000 to $14,000. Counties could opt in under the plan.
Businesses and building associations are opposed, saying they'd take on the burden.
Chicagoland Apartment Association executive vice president Michael Mini is says rents could go up about $400 annually.
Emanuel says the hike is over four years and will be used to pay police and fire pensions. He's also called for a schools tax and other fees.
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The bill is SB1488.