SPRINGFIELD, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Illinois State Legislature has until the end of the day to pass a State Budget.
We spoke with State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) today about the State Budget and other bills being discussed at the Capital.
Yesterday evening, the State Senate approved a spending plan with a 56-2 vote.
It is a $38.5 billion dollar spending plan.
The plan is set to be voted on by the Illinois House today.
Additionally, the Illinois State Government is discussing and taking action on a number of bills, including raising the age to purchase tobacco, setting a $40,000 minimum salary for teachers, and an equal rights amendment.
The Illinois House voted for a second time on raising the age to purchase tobacco products yesterday.
They had voted on it on Tuesday night and the bill failed in that vote.
If passed, the bill will raise the legal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21.
Additionally, Governor Bruce Rauner will need to decide if new teachers within the State will be able to earn $40,000 a year minimum.
Yesterday, the Illinois House approved a plan that increases the starting salary of teachers to $40,000.
If passed, this increase will take effect over the next five year.
Also, Illinois has signed-off on the Equal Rights Amendment.
Last night, several Republicans and the Democratic majority approved the amendment.
This amendment called for the equal treatment of women and was first proposed in 1972.
This passing is largely symbolic, as the deadline for the states to ratify the amendment was in 1982.
Listen to our full interview with Senator Dale Righter below.