Gov. Bruce Rauner is combining several of his proposals into one bill, but that doesn’t seem to sway Democrats opposed to parts of his agenda.
Rauner’s consolidated legislation includes some old items (a property tax freeze, allowing local governments to limit collective bargaining and opt out of prevailing wage laws) and some new additions (allowing schools to use outside contractors for certain services, increased funding for impoverished school districts).
One bill is how Rauner would prefer it remain, as he called on House Speaker Michael Madigan not to try to separate the proposals.
In other state news, Rauner’s amendatory vetoes on marijuana legislation may offer a glimpse into his administration’s pot policy.
Rauner sent two bills dealing with marijuana back to legislators with recommended changes. One would have pushed back the expiration of the state’s delayed medical marijuana pilot program, from the end of 2017 to four years from the time the first dispensary permit is issued. In his amendatory veto, Rauner said a 120-day extension was more appropriate, to make for delays blamed on Gov. Pat Quinn.
Rauner also made changes to a bill on decriminalizing marijuana throughout the state. He considered the standards too lax in the legislation, such as fining people $55 to $125 for being caught with 15 grams of marijuana. Rauner proposed $100 to $200 fines for 10 grams instead. He also wanted changes to new standards on what can be considered driving under the influence of marijuana.
In his veto message, Rauner said he supports the spirit of decriminalization, as he considers prosecuting marijuana possession as a crime “a drain on public resources.”
