Governor Signs Revenue Measure, Freeing Up Billions For Local Governments

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed legislation that frees up billions of dollars for local governments.

The Republican governor acted on Monday just hours after the Senate sent him the legislation that resulted from a rare political compromise during the ongoing budget standoff.

There was little discussion in the Senate before approving the plan 53-0.

The thrust of the bill is to release tax revenue on motor fuel, cellphone calls and more for local governments. There's state funding to help low-income residents pay heating bills and to keep domestic violence shelters open.

The legislation swept through the House last week after Rauner compromised with Democrats. He emphasized that he secured public-safety measures but there's also money to keep his state agencies operating.