Legislature ends budget standoff
Ten Republicans in the Illinois House of Representatives joined Democrats last week to override Gov. Rauner's veto of a $36.1 million spending plan that gives Illinois its first budget in two years, assures public schools open in the fall and prevents summer road work from grinding to a halt.
It was the final step in breaking a 736-day stalemate, the Senate having already quashed Rauner's veto. The legislative initiative closes a $5 million hole in the governor's own budget proposal.
With the state's credit rating teetering on the brink of junk status and the Comptroller warning that by August incoming revenue would not match money needed for court-ordered spending, "it was time to set aside politics," State Senator Steve Stadelman said, "and put the state's interests first."
Lawmakers will continue work on reforms the Governor has requested such as property tax relief.
Measure could help Rockford-area adults earn high school diplomas
Thousands of adults in Winnebago and Boone may get the chance to earn their high school diploma, thanks to legislation that passed the Illinois House. Sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman in the Senate, the measure effectively eliminates the existing law prohibiting school districts from awarding high school diplomas to anyone over the age of 21.
"A high school diploma is nearly essential in today's world, but not everyone is able to complete high school in the same amount of time," Stadelman said. "These programs will give people a second chance and help them obtain job skills. And they benefit everyone, because a trained workforce is good for economic development in our communities."
The legislation allows non-profit entities, including community colleges, to establish programs that can award high school diplomas to adult learners. House Bill 2527 passed both chambers unanimously and heads to the governor's desk for approval.
"A high school diploma is nearly essential in today's world, but not everyone is able to complete high school in the same amount of time," Stadelman said. "These programs will give people a second chance and help them obtain job skills. And they benefit everyone, because a trained workforce is good for economic development in our communities."
The legislation allows non-profit entities, including community colleges, to establish programs that can award high school diplomas to adult learners. House Bill 2527 passed both chambers unanimously and heads to the governor's desk for approval.