SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Senate’s attempt at kick-starting a compromise budget plan has fallen flat.
The Senate approved three of the four measures majority Democrats called for votes Wednesday. But they were approved with no Republican support. And the only contentious part — a major overhaul to the state’s pension program — failed.
Democratic Senate President John Cullerton of Chicago and Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont put together a 13-part plan they hoped would break a nearly two-year deadlock on a state budget. They pledged votes in January but couldn’t reach agreement.
Cullerton said Wednesday “it’s time to vote.” Radogno said she wants agreement on the whole package — which includes an income-tax increase and changes to workers’ compensation— before voting starts.
GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic legislative leaders have been unable to settle an annual budget plan since 2015.