By Eric Stock
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the so-called ‘no strike, no lockout’ binding arbitration bill will soon go before the Illinois House.
The Senate voted last week to override the bill that would allow for either side of labor negotiations to declare an impasse and allow for binding arbitration. State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said the governor is making this measure a priority.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Brady on WJBC.
Brady told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin he understands there’s a lack of trust between Rauner and the Democratic leaders, but says stripping the governor’s power in labor negotiations won’t solve that.
“I wish I could fix that right now, but I don’t believe Senate Bill 1229 is the avenue to try to restore trust or try to fix the problems we have,” Brady said.
Rauner’s office decried the override saying the measure would remove taxpayers from the table and could lead to a tax increase to make up for increased pay and benefits for state workers.
Optimism?
Brady said he remains optimistic that lawmakers can strike a budget deal soon, as the impasse approaches two months. He added Rauner and the Democratic leaders are trying to save face.
“What’s the exit plan?,” Brady asked. “How do you get out of the stalemate we are in?”
Brady said there’s still no sign either anyone wants to give ground.
“It’s frustrating. This is as dug in as I can remember seeing anybody as far as this issue goes. Everyone’s held hostage, I understand that.”
Brady said it might take another pressure point to bring the two sides together and that could be the date the courts decide state workers can no longer get paid without a budget.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
Illinois News Network contributed to this report.
