Illinois’ historic budget impasse reached a new boiling point Wednesday when the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed its own spending plan without any of the pro-business reforms sought by Gov. Bruce Rauner, including changes to the workers' compensation system.

Gov. Bruce Rauner

The move means the gridlock between Democrats and Rauner could extend into a second fiscal year, which begins July 1. Illinois has gone without a budget for 11 months.

Republicans booed and hissed after Democrats abruptly halted debate and called for a vote. Their spending plan passed 63-53, with seven Democrats voting no.

"What just happened in the House of Representatives is something which I've never witnessed in my many years here, but I would just say it's a very sad and a dark day for Illinois democracy," House Republican Leader Jim Durkin told the Associated Press.

Rauner took office last year on a pro-business, anti-union platform and has sought reforms as part of his so-called “Turnaround Agenda.” One key tenet is reforming the state’s workers’ compensation system, which shells out $100 million a year to cover injured workers, Mark Denzler, president of the Illinois Manufacturers Association, told the Illinois Radio Network.

But reforming workers’ compensation appears to be an uphill battle.

“We're in no mood, we have no appetite for workers' comp reform,” AFL-CIO President Mike Carrigan told the radio network. “We will use our collective resources to vigorously oppose workers' comp changes.” 

At Rauner’s behest, lawmakers and the governor’s representatives have formed working groups to find common ground, but to no avail. The Republican Rauner has said he would support a tax increase to close a $5 billion deficit only if he gets reforms to collective bargaining and workers’ compensation.

The stalemate pits bitter rivals against each other: Rauner, a wealthy ex-venture capitalist versus Speaker Madigan, who has controlled much of the Legislature for 30 years and is one of the nation’s longest-serving speakers in history.

If Rauner vetoes the Democrats’ budget, schools would be cast into chaos and would be forced to use reserve funds just to open, the Associated Press reported.

After lawmakers adjourn Tuesday, any legislation from the House or Senate would need three-fifths support to pass.