Springfield's Special Session

What makes it special

By STEVE RHODES
Updated 8:46 AM CST, Tue, Jun 23, 2009

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Illinois legislators return to Springfield today to open a special session called by the governor to solve the state's budget mess.

What will make the session special? Let's take a look.

- The guest china will be used in the Senate mess

- Square dancing on Saturday nights

- Will be allowed to vote "Present, but don't tell my wife I'm here"

- Legislators can redeem "frequent dealmaking points" at the House gift shop or in the form of earmarks

- Face time with the governor now just $10,000

- Bring a Lobbyist To Work Day extended for the duration

- Pin The Tax Hike On The Governor for cash and prizes nightly in Michael Madigan's office.

- One additional mulligan per hole allowed on House golf course

- Free posturing for every member

- Best partisan soundbite wins immunity challenge

Steve Rhodes is the proprietor of The Beachwood Reporter, a Chicago-centric news and culture review.

First Published: Jun 23, 2009 7:37 AM CST

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