Lawmakers made no serious attempt to balance the new budget, instead counting on a federal bailout. They accepted an $1,800 raise for themselves, while only making significant cuts to education.

What to watch for as the Illinois General Assembly convenes for the first time in more than two months.

HB 643 will prevent the $50,000 daily cost of special sessions from rising even higher in fiscal year 2018.

The Illinois House of Representatives has lacked a quorum for two straight days, rendering it unable to vote to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the tax hike and budget plan passed by the General Assembly. The Illinois Senate passed the budget plan and tax hike and overrode the governor’s veto on July 4.

Nine days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $450,000 for just over two hours of work.

Eight days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $400,000 for just over two hours of work.

Seven days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $350,000 for less than 2 hours of work.

Six days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $300,000 for less than 100 minutes of work.

Five days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $250,000 for less than 90 minutes of work.