Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin has proposed plans to speed up the sale of the government-owned James R. Thompson Center and possibly avoid a lengthy public comment period.
Durkin said Thursday that he filed legislation at Gov. Bruce Rauner's request. Rauner calls the Chicago building "inefficient."
The proposal's options include sealed, competitive bidding to sell or lease and a public-private partnership. It also allows Rauner to skip requirements that the building first be offered to the city or other public entities.
If the Democrat-controlled Legislature approves, the Republican governor could bypass public feedback outlined in state law.
However, House Speaker Michael Madigan's spokesman tells the Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises newspapers (http://bit.ly/1KaKYdZ ) such plans shouldn't be rushed.
Similar legislation is expected in the Senate.
