Illinois Senate overrides governor's veto of budget bills

In an action-packed Fourth of July holiday session, the Illinois Senate quickly overrode Governor Bruce Rauner's veto of fiscal 2018 spending and tax hike bills aimed at ending an unprecedented budget impasse that threatens to push the state's credit rating to junk.

In his veto message, the Republican governor lashed out at lawmakers for passing budget measures that he said would make Illinois’ fiscal woes worse.

"The package of legislation fails to address Illinois’ fiscal and economic crisis – and in fact, makes it worse in the long run. It does not balance the budget. It does not make nearly sufficient spending reductions, does not pay down our debt, and holds schools hostage to force a Chicago bailout,” Rauner said.

The Democratic-controlled Senate which gave final legislative approval to a trio of budget bills earlier on Tuesday, quickly overrode the vetoes. The House, also controlled by Democrats, returns to session later on Tuesday, but will not be taking up budget override votes, according to House Speaker Michael Madigan's spokesman.

(Editing by Matthew Lewis and Lisa Shumaker)