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Rauner Sends Message: Who's Listening?

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan standing on House floor arms folded

Illinois legislators are back in session Monday as they look toward a May 31 adjournment date. Gov. Bruce Rauner recently sent a direct, and public, message to them about how he wants things to go.

In a recent op-ed penned in the capital city's newspaper, Gov. Bruce Rauner wrote that "Illinois needs a turnaround." He went on to say, "The public understands that, but it appears many state elected officials do not."

That column was a way for Rauner to speak to his supporters.

It could also be taken as an early warning signal to the Democrats who control the General Assembly. It was all but a direct hit, given that Senate President John Cullerton is the second-longest-serving member of the General Assembly; House Speaker Michael Madigan is first.

So - did they get the message? Apparently, Madigan didn't.

"Like most articles in newspapers, I haven't read that," Madigan said.

In that way at least, he may have something in common with Rauner, who it's been reported makes a point to not read articles about Illinois news.

In the meanwhile, the divide between Rauner and Democrats remains over issues like taxes, workers' compensation, term limits, and unions' rights.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
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