The budget impasse continued this week, and all eyes were on the House as lawmakers narrowly failed to override Rauner's veto of SB 1229.
As we head into mid-September, the General Assembly and the Governor have yet to reach a budget agreement. This week, the focus was on the House's attempt to override Governor Rauner's politically-motivated veto of SB 1229, the fair arbitration bill supported by the IFT and other unions.
Here are the highlights of this week's action: ........................................................................................................................................................ Under threat of political consequences, House narrowly rejects override of Governor’s veto
In the wake of brazen, unprecedented threats of political “consequences” by Governor Rauner and GOP leadership if lawmakers voted against their demands, the Illinois House came up just three votes short in an attempt to override the Governor's veto of SB 1229, the fair arbitration bill supported by the IFT and other unions. IFT President Dan Montgomery vowed that, “Labor will remain vigilant and united against Rauner’s obsessive fight against everyday men and women, and we will continue to fight to protect our rights, economic security, and the communities we serve.”
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Effort advances to move the effective date of civics education requirement
Next week, the Senate Education Committee plans to discuss HB 800, the trailer bill to PA 99-434 (Conroy-D, Villa Park). This measure moves the civics education requirement effective date to July 1, 2016 and allows for a gradual phase in of the new requirement that all high school students take a semester-long civics course. This date change will ensure that current high school students are not penalized.
........................................................................................................................................................ Measure to reverse child care cuts falls short in Illinois House
The Illinois House narrowly rejected SB 570 this week, a measure that would have reversed Rauner’s order to disqualify about 90 percent of current low-income participants from being eligible to receive the child care assistance they rely on. The measure was put on postponed consideration and may be called again when the House reconvenes later this month.
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A look ahead
The Senate is scheduled to return on September 9. The House will return on September 24. Keep watching Under the Dome for important updates on legislative action.
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