SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner was able to forge compromise on several pieces of legislation this week that will protect critical state services, according to State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford). Meanwhile, Speaker Madigan continues to set up roadblocks to progress in the Illinois House.

“Governor Rauner and Republican leaders have shown they are able to work across party lines to make progress on resolving the budget crisis and reforming state government,” said Senator Syverson. “Now, it’s time for House Democrats to join their Senate colleagues to forge common-sense compromise on major issues.”

On Tuesday, the Illinois Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation (HB1285) to reform unemployment insurance. The bill was the result of six months of negotiations with legislators, labor leaders, employers and other stakeholders led by the Governor’s office. HB1285 strengthens the standards for employee misconduct, stops social security age and disability based benefits from reducing unemployment benefits, and eliminates issues which could have increased taxes on employers by $470 million in 2016.

Governor Rauner also agreed to changes with respect to child care benefits and home healthcare benefits to restore service to thousands of Illinois residents. The changes were the result of negotiations with providers and legislators from both sides of the aisle. Despite the bipartisan agreements, Speaker Madigan still tried to push through two pieces of legislation to override the Governor’s authority to set rules for the benefit processes, both of which failed to pass.

“I think the progress we’ve made this week bodes well for an eventual end to the budget stalemate,” said Senator Syverson. “But we will need both parties to remain at the table in good-faith.”