Bruce Rauner

Rauner, Democrats Spar in Springfield Over Budget Crisis

Gov. Bruce Rauner says he will veto a one-month budget the Senate Democrats support

Senate Democrats in Springfield have the chance to override Gov. Bruce Rauner's budget vetoes and solve the budget crisis, but the chances of a compromise are still unknown.

As Rauner and House Speaker Mike Madigan spar over a budget plan, state workers have expressed growing concern about their paychecks. Workers waiting to get paid this week have had a constant eye on their bank accounts to see if the automatic deposit went through.

"I checked numerous times to make sure it was there," state worker Cynthia Planitz said. "What do you do? You depend on your paycheck."

The state Senate is back at the capitol for a rare July session, looking to pass a July-only budget. Despite Rauner's plans to overturn the Democrat-backed budget, Senate President John Cullerton said the Democrats will fight back and override Rauner.

Meanwhile, Chicago is in need of a big hand from Springfield to help solve the pension payment for city teachers, but Republican state Sen. Matt Murphy predicts no easy fix and doubts Democrats have enough votes to override Rauner's vetoes.

"Mike Madigan always wants to test the new governor, dragging the state with him," Murphy said.

Both the House and Senate will convene at the capitol on Wednesday, but Rauner has said that even if both branches agree to a one-month budget, he will veto it because it will be out of balance.

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