Rauner Challenging Lawmakers To Pass Reforms Or Raise Taxes
(CBS) -- What's good for Illinois lawmakers should be good for all state employees, Governor Bruce Rauner said today.
Members of the general assembly are getting full pay despite the budget impasse. CBS 2's Jim Williams reports the governor believes that's unfair.
Outside his office in the Capitol, Governor Rauner said if lawmakers are getting their entire salaries, so should the other state employees.
"Our administration is fighting to have state employees treated exactly the same as legislators are treated," Rauner said. "We believe an honest day's work deserves a full day's pay and we believe all state employees should be paid their full salary on time."
Rauner again blasted House speaker Mike Madigan for the budget impasse, saying the Democrats' spending plan would leave the state with a $4 billion hole.
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The governor issued a challenge to Democrats: support reforms or raise taxes.
"They have a super majority," Rauner said. "They're fully capable of increasing the taxes. What they haven't done is deal with a truly balanced budget."
For now, Madigan plans to introduce a temporary budget without a tax hike that Rauner calls kicking the can down the road.
SEIU Healthcare, a union ally of Democrats, blasted the governor in a statement saying, "Our billionaire Governor once again demonstrated he has no appreciation for the real pain his actions are inflicting on poor and working class Illinoisans right now -- including seniors, people with disabilities and children."
Another potential point of contention: the governor's pension reform proposal he introduced today. It would reduce some benefits for public employees.
Rauner said it includes recommendations from Democrats, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
