Gov. Bruce Rauner has laid off 29 Illinois Department of Transportation employees who were among those improperly hired based on political connections. The Republican said Thursday he issued notices to the so-called "staff assistants" hired by skirting personnel rules under two previous Democratic governors.
The Illinois Supreme Court Thursday said the state does not have to pay unionized employees what it says in their contracts, unless legislators specifically appropriate the money.
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has approved legislation to increase state funding for education, ensuring classrooms remain open amid an ongoing budget fight.
