Below are (top) Senate President Philip J. Rock speaking to the chamber with Sen. Vince Demuzio (D49, Carlinville) in the background and (bottom) a "NO MORE ILLINOIS TAXES" bumper sticker stuck to a House chair.

Above are three views of the conference committee meeting called July 1 to set the state budget after all attempts at a tax increase had failed. Usually elusive meetings, this one was made very public. It was also unusual since Gov. James R. Thompson was invited to attend, an invitation he declined to accept. His empty chair is the second from the left. In case no other conference committee is ever made so public, these photos may become historical documents.

Ken Burnette, Senate Democratic Press Office

The last days become family gatherings, waiting for legislators to wind up their business. Above are (top) Jane Mays, wife of Rep. Jeff Mays (R-96, Quincy), with their sons, Joe, 8 (seated), and Sam, 5 (standing); and (bottom) Rep. Thomas J. Homer (D-91, Canton) and his five-month-old daughter, Katie.

Above (top left) are, from left, Sens. Joyce Holmberg (D-34, Rockford) and Penny L. Severns (D-51,Decatur); and (top right) Sens. Jerome J. Joyce (D-43, Reddick) and Thomas A. Dunn (D-42, Joliet). Below them is a typical "desk" scene in the House, with mike, electronic buttons, stacks of bills, etc. That's Rep. James M. Kirkland (R-66, Elgin) showing to the eye of the camera what's in his drawer. Below is the day after it's all over in the House chamber. Silence reigns. Til next time.