Bruce Rauner

Rauner Calls Illinois Lawmakers Back to Springfield for Special Session

"Republicans in the General Assembly have laid out a compromise budget plan that I can sign,” Rauner said in a video announcing the special session.

Gov. Bruce Rauner has called Illinois lawmakers back to Springfield for a 10-day special session next week as a two-year budget impasse continues.

"Republicans in the General Assembly have laid out a compromise budget plan that I can sign,” Rauner said in a video announcing the special session, noting, "It is a true compromise – and one I hope the majority in the General Assembly will accept.”

It's been two weeks since the Illinois General Assembly adjourned and more than two years since lawmakers have reached a budget compromise.

The Multi-State Lottery Association this week said it would drop Illinois at the end of the month if there is no state budget agreement, according to a report. The association, which runs Mega Millions and Powerball, said in internal Illinois Lottery communications it would drop the games in the current state climate.

The special session will begin June 21 and last every day through June 30. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

Lawmakers would be paid $111 each day during the special session as well as 39 cents per mile to and from Springfield. The Chicago Tribune has estimated it will cost taxpayers approximately $40,000 a day.

House Speaker Michael Madigan has said the lawmakers are in continuous session, there are no added costs to a continuous session.

“We have tough, urgent choices to make, and the legislature must be present to make them,” Rauner said in a statement. “In the days ahead, let’s show the people of Illinois we have their best interests in mind, not our own. And together, we will move our state forward to a better and brighter future.”

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