SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner is backing off plans to lay off more than 100 state workers next week as part of the lingering budget standoff.
In an agreement with two labor unions representing the workers, the administration said it is waiting for the matter to work its way through the court system before deciding the next step.
"The administration believes legal proceedings will confirm that the agencies have properly followed the law in executing these layoffs. We hope to reach a final resolution very soon," said Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly.
Rauner had planned to jettison the workers Sept. 30 after he and Democrats who control the Legislature were unable to agree on a spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Included in the mix were conservation police officers and workers at the Illinois State Museum. It was not clear Tuesday whether the museum or the World Shooting Complex in Sparta are still on track to close Sept. 30.
The Hardin County prison work camp targeted by Rauner is not set to be closed until December.
Anders Lindall, a spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union, cautioned the reprieve for threatened workers may be only temporary.
"The ultimate answer is for the governor to drop his political posturing and work with the Legislature," Lindall said.
The delay comes as the budget impasse is in its 12th week. After Rauner announced the layoffs, the unions took him to court, saying the state was violating terms of the contracts.
kurt.erickson@lee.net
State layoffs delayed as unions, Rauner administration wait for next step : News
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