Democrats, Republicans face off over state budget

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- There could be a new budget showdown in Springfield as Illinois Democrats say they are working own to pass a state budget independently of their Republican counterparts and Gov. Bruce Rauner.

This comes as Rauner made a strong statement about the budget in a downstate newspaper.

Illinois House Democrats introduced a resolution for a tax on millionaires to support education. It went nowhere and Republicans called it more Springfield political theater.

"You see these stunts and these games out of the 20th century playbook in the House, people want to see something different, they want to see people get things done in Springfield," said State Sen. Matt Murphy.

Gov. Rauner has vowed never to sign any tax increase bill if he does not get all or parts of his "turnaround agenda" in return. Rauner wants structural changes, including right-to-work zones, a freeze on property taxes, workers compensation and lawsuit reform.

But Democrats complain that with only 10 days left in the regular session, Rauner hasn't sent any bills to the House or Senate.

"We very much want to engage with the governor, but again, we cannot pass an editorial," said State Sen. Don Harmon.

In his letter to the Springfield State Journal-Register, the governor wrote about the democratic-controlled General Assembly:

"They don't want any significant structural reforms. They want another giant tax hike to feed the beast they created." Rauner went on to warn that lawmakers "should expect a very long extra session because I will keep fighting for major reforms."

"There's major challenges that the state and city are facing," said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Emanuel, whose deficit-ridden, credit-downgraded city and public schools need help as soon as possible, still thinks the gridlock will break before May 31.

"Every day is like a week and every week is like a month. They know they have the clock ticking and they have to get their work done on behalf of all the people of the State of Illinois," Emanuel said.

A spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan said the speaker has increased the calling of various bills in order to wind down the session.

The problem is that lawmakers cannot get a budget until they resolve the tax increase and reform issues on which there is still a deep divide.