Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration says it wants to bypass a legal recommendation in order to expedite the resolution of its case on whether negotiations have stalled between the state and the largest state worker's union.
Rauner's administration says a quick resolution will help Illinois save $35 million to $40 million per month in higher health insurance costs for workers.
AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall says the move is a ploy by the governor to impose his own terms for a new contract. Union members could decide on whether to stage a strike if the Illinois Labor Relations Board makes that determination.
The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports the union said it thinks the request is without precedent.
Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said the use of an administrative law judge is optional under state labor laws.
Gov. Bruce Rauner says many bond buyers support the pro-business changes he's pushing and want to invest in Illinois despite its worst-in-the-nation credit rating.
The Republican said Tuesday that taking on more debt is appropriate because the money is for improvements to roads and bridges, not daily operating expenses.
Illinois will go to market Thursday to sell $550 million in bonds.
Rauner says Illinois has strengths including its location and the city of Chicago. Rauner says many bond buyers ``have indicated confidence in what we're trying to do.'' He spoke at an Illinois Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Rauner and majority Democrats have been deadlocked over a state budget for almost a year, leading two rating agencies to downgrade Illinois' credit last week.
Democrats say Rauner's priorities will hurt working families.
