(WJBC file photo)
By RFD Radio/WFMB
SPRINGFIELD – The stopgap budget deal has slowed a lot of the budget talk in the state, but it remains on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s mind, especially when it comes to locking in more money for schools.
“I am very committed to getting a balanced budget, full years and every year, getting more money for education,” Rauner said. “We just have to stay persistent.”
Rauner said he knows the calendar could have a lot to do say on when progress will be made.
“The tough votes or the creative votes happened in Lame Duck sessions in the 45 to 60 days after a general election and before the new General Assembly is sworn in,” Rauner said. “This has been going on for decades.”
The fall veto session gets underway in November.
Independent Maps
Rauner called the state Supreme Court decision to keep a legislative map reform amendment off the November ballot “tragic.” The state’s top constitutional officer says Illinois voters deserve a chance to vote on the issue.
“I’m recommending that when the General Assembly comes back after the November elections that we take up political reform at the top of the legislative agenda and that we pass term limits and fair maps and put them on the ballot for the next election cycle so the people of Illinois can have their voice heard,” Rauner said.
More than a half million Illinois voters signed petitions to put the redistricting reform question before voters. In a four-to-three split decision, the state’s high court upheld a Cook County Circuit Court decision that declared the latest redistricting reform effort unconstitutional.
