SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A House Republican negotiating issues around a budget deal remains hopeful that Democrats will continue talks on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s must-have agenda.
Rep. Tom Demmer of Dixon says House votes Wednesday on a property-tax freeze, cost-cutting changes to workers’ compensation and pension benefits, and government consolidation were “premature.”
They’re issues Republican Rauner insists on having prior to sealing a budget deal for the first time in two years. All but the property tax freeze won approval.
But GOP members object to provisions in each.
Demmer says House Democrats need GOP help to get the 71 votes necessary to approve a budget and the likely tax increase to fund it. So he says Democrats will continue negotiating or will have to “go it alone” on passing a budget.
Lawmakers are trying to beat a Saturday deadline. That’s when a new fiscal year starts.