SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Latest on legislative action in Springfield (all times local):
3 p.m.
Gov. Bruce Rauner is downplaying defeats in the just-ended legislative session where lawmakers voted to nix most of the Rauner vetoes they attempted to override.
The Republican told reporters Thursday that it doesn’t signal a defection by GOP lawmakers a year before Rauner faces re-election. He says it means “the battle to get a better future for the people of Illinois is going to be ongoing and difficult.”
Republicans in the General Assembly helped majority Democrats in most cases to overturn vetoes on key issues such as monthly reporting of incoming debts, a bill of rights for students borrowing money for college, and easier access to life-insurance benefits for survivors.
The first-term governor did win a victory when lawmakers failed to override his veto of legislation prohibiting local governments from setting up “right-to-work” zones immune from union influence.
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12:50 p.m.
An attempt to override Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of a proposal limiting what employers screening job applicants can ask, including salary history, has failed.
There weren’t enough votes Thursday in the Illinois Senate to overrule the Republican governor who said he supports the idea, but Illinois should look to other states. Rauner noted how Massachusetts prevents salary inquiries before the job offer, among other things.
The measure was brought by state Sen. Daniel Biss, a Democrat. Biss and other supporters say the proposal could address the state’s gender wage gap.
Biss is also seeking his party’s nomination in the 2018 gubernatorial race. Rauner, a Republican, is seeking re-election.
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The legislation is HB2462
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4:45 a.m.
The Illinois General Assembly’s fall session is ending after an unanticipated addition to the agenda.
Illinois Department of Human Rights staff members conducted sexual harassment awareness sessions for House members Wednesday. Senate members attend Thursday.
The seminars were added after legislation to specifically prohibit harassment in the ethics code last week prompted a legislative activist to describe her experience of harassment by a state senator.
That sidetracked lawmakers for a day to adopt legislation to improve handling of complaints.
Arlington Heights Republican Rep. David Harris says the session reinforces “the need to be aware of the issue” and clarified how to proceed if a person is a victim of or a witness to harassment.
The House adjourned until January. The Senate has work Thursday after training.
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