While all eyes are on Gov. Pat Quinn and his impending budget plan, a good deal happened in Springfield today that’s also worth highlighting.

This morning, Democratic members of a Senate subcommittee voted 3-2 against Senate Bill 285, a proposal introduced by Republican Sen. Matt Murphy to hold a special election for U.S. Sen. Roland Burris’ seat and all future U.S. Senate vacancies in the state. Although Attorney General Lisa Madigan recently determined that the U.S. Constitution allows for holding a special election without Burris first resigning or being expelled from the Senate, Democrats who opposed the measure cited both the high costs and political games from the GOP.

One encouraging bill did squeak through a legislative committee today.  By a 5-4 margin, the House Youth and Family Committee approved Rep. Greg Harris’ civil unions bill. While it’s less expansive than the gay marriage bill he introduced last month, HB 2234 would entitle same-sex couples to the same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits afforded or recognized by the law of Illinois to spouses. A similar bill died in committee at the end of last session. It will now move to the House floor for a full vote.

Finally, Rep. Will Burns, Sen. Jacqueline Collins, and Citizen Action/Illinois rolled out their public campaign financing bill this morning. Titled the Lincoln Act, the legislation would provide limited public funds and matching funds for executive, legislative, and judicial candidates that qualify. The matching funds would be distributed on a three-to-one basis for donations between $5 and $500. The system would be voluntary and the proponents made clear at their press conference that they do not see their bill and separate proposals to create contribution limits as mutually exclusive. We’ll have more on this in the coming days.