Illinois begins the fiscal year without a new budget. Governor Bruce Rauner revised his plan. He's now offering Chicago and other municipalities some pension relief.
Early on, Gov. Rauner made clear that his willingness to talk about the budget is contingent on what he calls "structural change." Since the end of May, that has included five items:
1) a property tax freeze (combined with changes he says will lower costs for municipalities but which unions see as an attack)
2) making businesses culpable for fewer employee injuries
3) putting limitations on lawsuits aimed at lowering businesses' costs
4) changing how legislative districts are drawn
5) passing term limits
In a recent op-ed, Rauner updated those demands.
He's back to saying a two-year freeze on local property taxes, rather than an indefinite one, will count.
And he says legislators need-not pass term limits and redistricting; but he wants a promise they'll be voted on.
The pro-business parts of the platform -- workers' compensation and so-called "tort reform" -- remain.
Democrats' did not appear keen on the latest offer. They say his insistence on non-budget items comes at the expense of middle class families.
