Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Nursing bill passes, but with not enough votes to override expected veto

Posted in:

Illinois

Illinois representatives approved a bill Thursday to prevent further privatization of health care jobs in state prisons.

The House voted 68-42 for the bill that was previously OK’d by the Senate. It will now be sent to Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The legislation was sparked by a decision last month by the Department of Corrections to privatize the jobs of 124 union nurses working in state prisons. They are due to be laid off June 15. Corrections said the move will save the state $8 million a year. […]

This isn’t the first time the General Assembly has gotten involved in the prison nurse issue. The Legislature passed a similar bill last year that was vetoed by Rauner. The bill died when the House failed to override the veto.

The Senate immediately sent the bill to the governor yesterday. He has 60 days to act, which would be before the June 15th layoff date.

Proponents were hoping to get a veto proof majority yesterday, but two Democrats were missing (Jones and Soto). Also, some Republicans apparently took a walk. Reps. Severin and Unes were recorded voting on other bills yesterday, but were listed as “excused” on the nursing bill.

Stuff happens.

It’s possible that a compromise could be found. One of the GOP complaints during debate was that minimum nurse staffing levels were set without regard to prison population. If that population declines, the prisons might have too many nurses. So, something may happen after the break. But the governor could then simply sit on that bill for 60 days, which would be after the layoff deadline, meaning his office will have to be part of any discussions.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Apr 7, 17 @ 1:02 pm

Comments

Well at least Drury voted yes on that one.

Comment by A Jack Friday, Apr 7, 17 @ 1:43 pm
Severin and Cavaletto both took a walk on these votes.

Comment by The_Equalizer Friday, Apr 7, 17 @ 1:59 pm
==Severin and Cavaletto both took a walk on these votes.==

Nurse’s office?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Apr 7, 17 @ 2:45 pm
Some of this is about helping the nurses and some is to establish which side are you on. Even if the first fails, the second is accomplished.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Apr 7, 17 @ 3:02 pm