Illinois

Cullerton Calls Budget Special Session a ‘Political Stunt'

Gov. Rauner called the special session to try to force a budget deal before July 1

Senate President John Cullerton says his chamber has previously accomplished everything Gov. Bruce Rauner has outlined on a special session agenda called to force a budget deal. 

Cullerton told reporters Friday that special sessions are a "political stunt" to offer the governor political cover. Cullerton says the budget the Democrat-controlled Senate approved draws on Rauner's ideas. 

The Republican governor called session to try to force a deal before July 1, when Illinois could enter its third year without a budget. Rauner says he supports a proposed GOP budget. 

House Speaker Michael Madigan has scheduled a Friday hearing on a property tax freeze Rauner wants but Democrats say could hurt schools and local governments. 

Not passing a budget could trigger a downgrade of Illinois' credit rating to "junk" status, among other things.

Copyright The Associated Press
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