Democrats in the Illinois House have voted down a plan similar to Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposal to allow local governments to permit workers to opt out of unions.
Thursday's vote was 0-72-37. The Democrats who control the House cast "no" votes. The entire Republican caucus, with the exception of one member, voted present because they said the vote was a "political sham."
Democrats in a heated debate said the proposal would adversely affect middle class families.
Rauner has toured Illinois touting his idea of local "empowerment zones." The zones would allow voters to make union membership voluntary at unionized workplaces. It's a key part of pro-business reforms Rauner wants passed in exchange for new revenue to help close a $6 billion budget gap.
