After missing a key deadline Wednesday night - there is still no deal to end the 2-year-long state budget impasse.
And now - Illinois Senate Democrats say they can’t trust Republican Governor Bruce Rauner to negotiate.
Senate Democrats did pass a budget - without GOP votes. They say Rauner sent conflicting messages. In Springfield - he’d tell them to keep up the negotiations. Outside the capitol - Rauner said all Democrats want to do is raise your taxes.
Democratic Senator Toi Hutchinson.
"If the goal is to get a budget, if the goal really is to get a budget, we’d have one."
Rauner has said he wants a permanent property tax freeze as part of a state budget.
And the House didn’t vote on the Senate’s plan. That leaves state finances in limbo - including funding for grade schools.
Illinois lawmakers this week approved a measure that would overhaul the state’s inequitable school funding formula.
It passed with Democratic support - and one Republican.
Michael McAuliffe is the only Republican in the statehouse who represents a part of Chicago - the city’s northwest side.
The GOP has labeled every proposed change to the funding formula as a bailout for Chicago Public Schools. But in the end - McAuliffe bucked his own party and gave the bill the bare minimum number of votes needed to pass the House.
"I think I may get some arrows. I’ve had arrows gone through me before so I can take it."
McAuliffe says CPS needs more money.
Democrats agree - pointing to the district’s large number of students in poverty.
Governor Bruce Rauner reportedly says he’ll veto it.
Among the things that didn't receive funding by the end of the regularly scheduled Illinois legislative session is money for a resort at Walker's Bluff.
The World Class Conference/Convention Center would feature a waterpark, conference center, and gaming.
CEO and Founder Cynde Bunch says they will continue to pursue their gaming license.
She says they're very disappointed because instead of building the complex and putting people to work, they'll be back to Springfield this month seeking the funds for the complex.
