Earlier this month, AFSCME leaders sent a letter to Gov. Bruce Rauner outlining a settlement “framework” in which the union said it would be willing to resume negotiations on a new contract.

The idea that Senate leaders are proposing a budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent -- despite the last tax hike costing the state billions of dollars in lost income -- has troubled many.

Kentucky will join the 26 other states in the nation with right-to-work laws, causing some to wonder if Illinois will join the movement anytime in the foreseeable future.