Rauner Expected To Veto Additional Spending Bill

John Gregory -- Illinois Radio Network

Gov. Bruce Rauner is set to veto another piecemeal appropriations bill if the House passes it this week, which would surprise no one in the General Assembly.

State Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) expected Rauner wouldn’t support a $3.8 billion spending plan, funding things like breast cancer screenings and allowing lottery winners to be paid, which the Senate already passed.

He does hope an appropriation for lottery winners can be made to avoid litigation.

“That would be in our best benefit because I imagine some lawyer’s going to have to get paid once they sue the state,” Cullerton said.

State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) isn’t sure she can support any standalone measure on lottery winners, but confirms she’ll be a no vote on the current bill.

“I stand with Gov. Rauner on this. We have got to live within our means and we’ve got to prioritize our spending.”

The plan will be considered by the House Executive Committee and could be up for a vote on the floor Thursday.