Democrats once again sought to bolster their election-year campaign attack fodder against Republicans on Thursday, voting for the latest plan to fund higher education and another union-backed measure to prevent a worker lockout or strike following earlier vetoes by Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Neither proposal is expected to become law — Rauner opposes both measures, and Democrats in the House have been unable to remain united to overturn the governor. But calling the bills for votes provides roll calls that can be used in mailers and TV ads in which Democrats can say they voted to fund education and support unions while most Republicans were opposed.
The action marked the second straight day of political gamesmanship at the Capitol. On Wednesday, House Democrats were unable to override Rauner's veto of a bill to funnel $721 million to community colleges and scholarships for low-income students tied up in the budget stalemate.
Instead, House Speaker Michael Madigan doubled down, bringing forth a different proposal Thursday that would provide more than $3.5 billion for higher education, as well as dozens of other programs including rape crisis centers, meals for seniors, violence prevention and mental health.
Read more at The Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-bruce-rauner-democrats-labor-bill-met-20160303-story.html