Senate President Calls Special Session a "Political Stunt"

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Published on June 25 2017 6:14 am
Last Updated on June 25 2017 6:14 am
Written by Matt Robinson

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Senate President John Cullerton says his chamber has previously accomplished everything Gov. Bruce Rauner has outlined on a special session agenda called to force a budget deal.
 
Cullerton told reporters recently that special sessions are a "political stunt" to offer the governor political cover. Cullerton says the budget the Democrat-controlled Senate approved draws on Rauner's ideas.
 
The Republican governor called session to try to force a deal before July 1, when Illinois could enter its third year without a budget. Rauner says he supports a proposed GOP budget.
 
House Speaker Michael Madigan held a Friday hearing on a property tax freeze Rauner wants but Democrats say could hurt schools and local governments.
 
Not passing a budget could trigger a downgrade of Illinois' credit rating to "junk" status, among other things.