Illinois House returns, to consider local-revenue bill

That's because the Illinois House today approved some 3 billion dollars in spending.

Rauner and legislative leaders met together for the first time in months on Tuesday and largely clung to the same ideological talking points that led to the budget impasse. Unlike a similar bill that passed the House but wasn't sent to the Senate, the new version adds spending requested by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner as well as some projects sought by Democratic legislators.

Following the House vote on the bill, Rauner told reporters the measure represents a compromise to ensure that local governments get money to keep 911 services operating and for the state to buy road salt for the winter.

Bruce Rauner, center, is seen on a television monitor...

"A piecemeal approach is better than no approach at all", said Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, a Chicago Democrat. "I don't think that they ought to be advancing political party positions relative to a future campaign as part of the budget".

Additionally, the legislative leaders said they and the governor have at least gotten started on a deal to get some non-general fund money flowing, including motor fuel taxes for local governments' use.

In a compromise, $28 million for domestic violence shelters and Secretary of State operations also made it through. There's too little revenue to cover ongoing expenses; too much borrowing, which continues; a ballooning hole in state pension programs; and a mountain of unpaid bills.

The House returns to Springfield on Wednesday, and the leading legislators indicated there might be progress on House Bill 4305 by Rep. Martin Moylan, D-Des Plaines.