Lobbying over union strike measure intense
Source: Herald Review
KURT ERICKSON
SPRINGFIELD -- An intense lobbying campaign that has temporarily overshadowed the state's lingering budget woes could come to a head Wednesday in the Illinois statehouse.
Although a final vote depends whether enough Democratic members of the House show up for the scheduled session, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, is poised to call on lawmakers to override Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of a union-backed plan that would erase the Republican governor's ability to impose a new contract if the two sides reach an impasse.
The measure, which would bar a lockout or strike, would send a final contract decision to a panel of outside arbitrators, much like the current set-up for police and fire unions.
Rauner says the legislation would take power out of the hands of the person Illinoisans elected to oversee state government. And, his office has worked hard to hold Republicans in line to stop an override.
FULL story at link.
Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, speaks to supporters during a Democrats Day rally at the Illinois State Fair on Thursday in Springfield.
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