Unfinished business calls lawmakers back to Springfield

Unfinished business calls lawmakers back to Springfield
Gov. Pat Quinn earlier this month reminded lawmakers they didn't finish their work. WBEZ/file photo
Unfinished business calls lawmakers back to Springfield
Gov. Pat Quinn earlier this month reminded lawmakers they didn't finish their work. WBEZ/file photo

Unfinished business calls lawmakers back to Springfield

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State lawmakers return to Springfield today for unfinished business.

The first item on their agenda is a list of construction projects that stalled last month due to budget wrangling between the House and Senate. Road projects and school building improvements will continue as planned once lawmakers approve the spending provision. They adjourned without signing off on the annual capital program.

“Things like upgrading roads and bridges to upgrading state facilities, classroom spaces. It’s really a variety of projects,” Quinn spokeswoman Annie Thompson said of the capital program.

Lawmakers also are expected to vote themselves a pay cut for the third year in a row. They’ll likely be taking one furlough day per month. That bill didn’t get a full hearing in the House before adjournment.

Lawmakers will pay for their trips to Springfield out of their own pockets. They won’t be receiving their usual $100 per-day expense checks, which cover the cost of travel and overnight accommodations on regular session days.