Senate Democrats block workers-compensation reform

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Illinois Republicans tried unsuccessfully Wednesday to convince Judiciary Committee Democrats that workers-compensation reform would encourage more businesses to locate or stay in Illinois. But with their union allies in the room, the Democrats voted 8-4 not to advance the reform bill.

"I was very disappointed," said state Sen. Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago. "If they were serious about this they should have started this process a long time ago."

The governor has included workers compensation reform on his so-called "turnaround agenda" -- the structural changes he demands before he'll agree to any budget that includes a tax increase.

"We need to connect the dots," said state Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont. "Unless we change the way we do business in Illinois -- which is what the turnaround agenda is about -- that we will not be able to have a balanced budget."

House Democrats continued working on the party's budget plan that rejects all elements of the Rauner turnaround and includes a $3 billion shortfall. They want the governor to balance with politically unpopular cuts and/or a tax increase.

"What the Governor has effectively said is: 'If you pass every element in my turnaround agenda we can talk about revenue,'" said state Rep. Christian Mitchell, D-Chicago. "Not that we can do it, we will talk about it. We believe that revenue is necessary to balance this budget."

Demonstrators protesting possible cuts to their programs lingered outside the governor's office where state police held them at bay. Meanwhile, republicans insisted that Rauner should not be blamed for the $6 billion deficit run up by Democrats.

"I think the public wants us to continue to push for the reforms that are necessary to grow the Illinois economy," said state Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington. "So we'll continue to push those forward."

Meanwhile, Rauner has said virtually nothing on this issue recently and has not scheduled any public appearances for the last couple days.