Mixed results today when Illinois Senate Democrats went ahead with voting on the so-called “grand bargain.” It's been widely seen as the best hope for ending Illinois' nearly two-year budget stalemate.
The idea of the grand bargain was for Democrats and Republicans to come together to meet Gov. Bruce Rauner’s demands like a property tax freeze and more business-friendly laws. There was bipartisan support on a handful of bills, like to allow more casino licenses and change state purchasing rules.
But Republicans, like Sen. Chapin Rose Mahomet, say they need more time to negotiate on things like the budget and a property tax freeze.
“There are things that aren’t agreed to yet. And they need to be agreed to. And the details that you just said will come later are really important as to whether this works or not."
Democratic Senate President John Cullerton, say time is running out.
“Do you really think it’s going to get any better? Seriously?"
Less than two weeks remain in the spring legislative session.
