Gov. Bruce Rauner is using a statewide, campaign-style tour to rip Democrats who control the Illinois Legislature for failing to approve a state budget. The Republican governor appeared with a GOP candidate for state Senate at the Vienna Correctional Center in southern Illinois.
He says Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan has controlled Illinois for 30 years and the state has huge deficits and billions in debt.
Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton argue Rauner's yearlong insistence on passing pro-business legislation and curbing union power is the reason for the 11-month budget impasse.
Lawmakers adjourned their spring session late last night without agreeing on a budget for the second straight year. That's put schools and universities in danger of closing and could lead to cuts in critical state services.
