Quinn Tells Legislators to Pass Construction Bill By Friday … or Else

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn needs a little something special this week.

He's been meeting with Illinois lawmakers to hammer out dates for a special legislative session to pass a bill to fund capital improvement projects along the state's highways and avoid a work stoppage.

Members of the Illinois House refused to approve a construction bill that became laden with more than $430 million in education and social services spending in the Senate. Quinn says without their approval, a host of projects must shut down next Monday.

He expects the shut down will cost the state $30 million and lead to work stoppages for up to 52,000 construction workers.

The governor reportedly told Speaker Michael Madigan and minority leader Christine Radogno during a meeting Wednesday that they have until Friday to come back to session and pass the bill or the work stoppage will become a reality. Those legislative leaders, however, said the special session will begin Wednesday and there's no guarantee the bill will be worked out.

Quinn is expected to speak about the issue Thursday. 

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