SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office has revised its plan to change state hiring to allay opponents’ concerns.
The initiative focuses on state jobs a governor may give to anyone because he needs loyalty or confidence. Other jobs must be filled on merit.
The plan in the Senate answers a federal court’s findings on improper state hiring under past Democratic governors.
Republican Rauner’s revisions are meant to clearly define what jobs should be exempt from hiring rules, without removing union or other protection from firing without cause.
Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael Carrigan says unions oppose political influence in hiring but says the legislation targets collective-bargaining rights.
Democratic Senate President John Cullerton wants an independent review but is wary of Rauner’s “anti-union animus.”
