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Defying Rauner, House Ends Budget Impasse

Illinois’ two-year budget impasse is over. The House of Representatives on Thursday overrode the governor's budget veto, giving final approval to a spending plan and tax increase.

Brian Mackey reports on the end of Illinois' two-year budget impasse.

After two years of stalemate, more than a dozen Republicans broke with Gov. Bruce Rauner.

They joined Democrats to pass a $5-billion dollar tax increase.

The governor had been holding out for his business-friendly agenda, but some Republicans, like Rep. David Harris, from Arlington Heights, say time’s up.

“We are looking into an abyss — a financial abyss," Harris told his colleagues. "The state is imploding financially."

Illinois isn’t out of danger yet — the state’s racked up $15 billion in unpaid bills.

Lawmakers say their budget is just the beginning of what will be a long recovery.

Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva) explains why he voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of his budget bill.
Brian Mackey / NPR Illinois
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NPR Illinois
Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva) explains why he voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of his budget bill.
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) urged his colleagues to sustain Gov. Bruce Rauner's budget veto.
Brian Mackey / NPR Illinois
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NPR Illinois
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) urged his colleagues to sustain Gov. Bruce Rauner's budget veto.
House Speaker Michael Madigan said Democrats intended to continue working with Republicans "to address the governor's issues unrelated to the budget."
Brian Mackey / NPR Illinois
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NPR Illinois
House Speaker Michael Madigan said Democrats intended to continue working with Republicans "to address the governor's issues unrelated to the budget."
House Speaker Michael Madigan thanked House colleagues for "persevering through this unbelievable struggle."
Brian Mackey / NPR Illinois
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NPR Illinois
House Speaker Michael Madigan thanked House colleagues for "persevering through this unbelievable struggle."

Copyright 2017 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
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