SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois senators have rejected a measure sought by Gov. Bruce Rauner that would have made changes to the state’s legal system.
The Democratic-led chamber’s judiciary committee voted down the proposal that would have made it more difficult for plaintiffs to “venue shop” for places to file lawsuits and would limit expensive payouts.
The legislation is one central plank of Rauner’s pro-business priorities that he says must be enacted before he’ll consider signing a budget. A Senate committee also voted down a proposal addressing workers compensation reform Wednesday.
Rauner aides have criticized Democrats for walking away from budget negotiations and instead enacting their own plan.
Democrats are meanwhile advancing budget bills outlining a $36.3 billion spending plan for next year that Republicans oppose.
