The Senate’s grand bargain package of budget and new revenue lost steam yesterday and will not see a vote today. It might see the light of day in early February when the General Assembly returns but a lot of Senator’s are concerned about tax increases and budget cuts that are contained in the package.The package does include a minimum wage increase. More to come.
Senate and House sponsors are about to introduce our wage legislation which would increase the starting wage for Direct Support Professionals to $15.00 per hour.
Today, Governor Rauner gives his State of the State Address at noon. It will be interesting to see is any references to disability services will be part of this address. The Governor’s Budget Address is scheduled for February 15th.
Story from the State Journal Register below on the State of the State Address.
Tony
State of the State: Rauner to urge bipartisan deal on budget crisis
By The Associated Press
Gov. Bruce Rauner will strike an optimistic tone in his State of the State address on Wednesday, while acknowledging Illinois faces “significant challenges.”
The Republican’s speech, which starts at noon, comes as he gears up for a 2018 re-election bid.
His office says Rauner will focus on Illinois’ accomplishments, such as making government more efficient and increasing school funding. He’ll also renew his call for lawmaker term limits.
Lawmakers haven’t agreed on a state budget for almost two years, leading to deep cuts to social services and higher education and billions in overdue bills.
Rauner and Illinois’ largest state-employee union also have been fighting over a new labor contract.
Rauner is expected to cite a bipartisan package being considered in the Senate as evidence lawmakers can work together. But that agreement is far from a done deal.
The speech will be broadcast on local PBS stations and streamed live on Rauner’s Facebook page.
Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
708-828-0188 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org