Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has vetoed the bulk of a proposed new state budget. Only funding for schools is safe.
Rauner says he had to do it because the plan approved by Democrats is out of balance and, thus, unconstitutional.
But that means Illinois in will have almost no spending authority when the new fiscal year begins next Wednesday, July 1.
Rauner says he's tried to compromise, and is willing to go further. In an opinion piece published by the Chicago Tribune, the governor says he'll limit his call for a property tax freeze to two years, and he'll agree to giving Chicago and other cities a reprieve from pension payments.
Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno says that's proof Rauner has extended an olive branch.
"I think the biggest impediment right now is the Democrats have proven over and over again they don't understand the new dynamic in Springfield," she said, "and they have been unwilling to compromise on absolutely anything."
Democrats say otherwise. In a statement, Senate President John Cullerton's office says "it appears that the Governor would rather move the state toward a shutdown --- rather than reasonable compromises."
House Speaker Michael Madigan says the governor "missed an opportunity” to avoid disrupting the lives of middle-class families.
Copyright 2015 WNIJ Northern Public Radio
