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The legislation
would boost the state minimum wage, give tax credits for college
costs, guarantee up to seven paid sick days for full and
part-time workers, cover two years of tuition and fees for
eligible community college students, and end business tax breaks
to save Illinois $334 million.
“Our governor keeps saying that we need to reinvigorate
Illinois’ economy and make it a more attractive place to live,”
said Democratic State Senator Don Harmon in a statement
regarding the bill package.
“We agree with his goal, but we don’t agree on how to best
achieve it. This proposal outlines some of the items we believe
will truly strengthen our economy and make Illinois a better
place to live and work,” Harmon added.
The Democrat-controlled legislature reached its scheduled spring
session end on Sunday without a budget deal for the fiscal year
that begins July 1. Lawmakers were called back into what could
be an extended overtime session with the House meeting on
Thursday and the Senate on June 9.
Democrats passed their own spending plan, snubbing the
governor's proposed budget, which he linked to his so-called
turnaround agenda, calling for measures such as reforms to
workers' compensation and a local property tax freeze. Rauner
said on Sunday he will continue negotiating "to get major
structural reforms as part of a truly balanced budget."
There was no immediate comment from Rauner's office about the
legislation filed by Senate Democrats.
(Reporting By Karen Pierog; Editing by Christian Plumb)
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