GOP introduces term limits, property tax freeze — but no ‘right to work’ measures
From Illinois Business Journal news services
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration is touting new legislation centered on his “Turnaround Illinois” agenda as a compromise to help break a stalemate over the state budget.
But Democrats in the General Assembly gave no outward indication they will budge on their opposition to his pro-business agenda.
Republicans introduced bills containing Rauner’s proposals Friday. The measures would impose lawmaker term limits, freeze property taxes and tweak workers’ compensation policies, but do not include an anti-union “right to work” initiative.
Democrats instead held the latest in a series of symbolic votes in the House to show how little support exists for elements of Rauner’s plan in that chamber.
House Speaker Michael Madigan’s spokesman says the Legislature aims to pass its own budget by a May 31 deadline without taking up Rauner’s proposals.
The Governor’s Office issued a statement this afternoon, critical of the likely Democrat impasse.
“After weeks of crying for specifics and claiming Governor Rauner refuses to compromise, we now see the Democrats maneuvering for what they really want – no reforms and a fat tax increase on the working families of Illinois,” Lance Trover, director of communications, said.
“After weeks of crying for specifics and claiming Governor Rauner refuses to compromise, we now see the Democrats maneuvering for what they really want – no reforms and a fat tax increase on the working families of Illinois.”
