Changes Made to Rauner’s Hiring-Reform Legislation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner's office has revised its plan to change state hiring to allay opponents' concerns.

The initiative focuses on state jobs a governor may give to anyone because he needs loyalty or confidence. Other jobs must be filled on merit.

The plan in the Senate answers a federal court's findings on improper state hiring under past Democratic governors.

Republican Rauner's revisions are meant to clearly define what jobs should be exempt from hiring rules — without removing union or other protection from firing without cause.

Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael Carrigan says unions oppose political influence in hiring but says the legislation targets collective-bargaining rights.

Democratic Senate President John Cullerton wants an independent review but is wary of Rauner's "anti-union animus."

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