Closer scrutiny of the Governor's proposed budget has brought out critics on many political fronts this last week. Tax increase, pension payment swaps, and a lack of relationship to programmatic reforms seem to have drawn critics in both Republican and Democratic corners, alberit for differing reasons. On top of budget trouvles, Governor Quinn has been facing opposition to key agency appointments.

The coming week is the final week to move bills out of their chamber of origin and on to the opposite house. Both chambers have sessions scheduled through Friday of this week before starting two-week spring break. Upon their return, the legislature will be focusing their efforts on the final stages of moving substantive legislation to the Governor's desk and on negotiating the budget.

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