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| End of Session Brings Worker's Comp Reform, Budget |
(IRN)-The last day of the spring session was a busy one for the Illinois House and Senate.
With a balanced budget already awaiting Gov. Pat Quinn's action, the House decided not to tack on $430 million in additional spending the Senate had sent over in another bill. One of the House's budget experts, State Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley), said the spending would exceed limits the House had imposed. While Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) had hoped for passage, House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) said he would ask Cullerton to join him in setting up a conference committee to examine the spending ideas.
Thanks to a parliamentary maneuver, the House gave new life to a workers' compensation overhaul it had shot down only two days prior. The bill reduces reimbursement to doctors, but critics of the bill say too few other groups have to sacrifice. The bill needed sixty Yes votes to pass, it got 55 on Sunday but 62 on Tuesday. State Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), the bill's sponsor, said enough lawmakers were persuaded to his side after news of the situation came out after Sunday's vote.
Gov. Pat Quinn indicated Tuesday night he would sign the workers' comp bill. He did not say anything else, but he will hold a news conference at the Capitol at 11 a. m. Wednesday to discuss the session.
HB 1698 (workers comp) has passed the House, 62-43-10, and goes to the governor.
The House did not concur with Senate Amendment 1 to SB 2189 (more spending).
(Source: Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 06 01 11 by Newsroom |
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