Rauner To Outgoing Gov. Quinn: Don't Hire Or Appoint Anyone

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner isn't set to take office until January. But his presence already is being felt in the Illinois Legislature.

Lawmakers cut their first week of the fall session short Thursday, heading home without action on raising Illinois' minimum wage or other big issues. Several legislators say they're waiting for Rauner to take office before tackling any big issues.

Listen to Rauner: Budget Is Worse Than Expected

The Republican from Winnetka was at the Capitol to meet with several elected officials.

Rauner also called on outgoing Gov. Pat Quinn to freeze all hiring and appointments in the final weeks of his term.

But Quinn's office wouldn't commit to a freeze.

Spokeswoman Katie Hickey says Quinn has "directed cabinet members to manage their agencies in a responsible manner" to ensure basic state operations continue.

Rauner was also blunt about the budget challenges he'll face.

"The financial condition of the state of Illinois is stunningly bad—it's horrible," he told reporters.