Illinois legislators are back in session Monday as they look toward a May 31 adjournment date. Gov. Bruce Rauner recently sent a direct, and public, message to them about how he wants things to go.
In a recent op-ed penned in the capital city's newspaper, Gov. Bruce Rauner wrote that "Illinois needs a turnaround." He went on to say, "The public understands that, but it appears many state elected officials do not."
That column was a way for Rauner to speak to his supporters.
It could also be taken as an early warning signal to the Democrats who control the General Assembly. It was all but a direct hit, given that Senate President John Cullerton is the second-longest-serving member of the General Assembly; House Speaker Michael Madigan is first.
So - did they get the message? Apparently, Madigan didn't.
"Like most articles in newspapers, I haven't read that," Madigan said.
In that way at least, he may have something in common with Rauner, who it's been reported makes a point to not read articles about Illinois news.
In the meanwhile, the divide between Rauner and Democrats remains over issues like taxes, workers' compensation, term limits, and unions' rights.