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| Legislature in Race Against the Clock |
(IRN)-While Illinois Democrats control much of state government, there is one thing beyond their control, the calendar. The legislature is scheduled to adjourn May 31, and even if it doesn't, most of the big issues they would take up in any overtime session would require a three fifths majority. That would require some Republican votes.
The state budget and legislative redistricting would be the items which are least likely to be left undone after next Tuesday: "The budget will get done. The maps will get done," says State Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley), a member of House leadership. He is also optimistic about the negotiations on workers' compensation reform, though a bit "nervous just because there's a lot of money involved between the doctors and lawyers, and you want to protect, also, the injured workers' rights."
State Senataor Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) does not predict an overtime session: "You are going to take care of the have-to's, and how much political will is left after you've done that certainly remains to be seen. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if we got there and we didn't do anything major other than those couple of have-to's: the budget and the map."
State Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign) throws the eligibility of Health Alliance to remain part of state workers' and retirees' health insurance onto the list of have-to items. Many Downstate communities do not have access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield doctors the governor's office favors.
Gambling expansion and further changing the pension system are among the items still alive as May 31 approaches. As the legislature adjourned its previous session for good in January, a cigarette tax increase and more borrowing were among the items which were left undone.
(Source: Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 05 24 11 by Newsroom |
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