SPRINGFIELD — Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is calling House Speaker Michael Madigan to not call lawmakers back to work until April 4 “outrageous” while Illinois continues without a spending plan.

But until Rauner presents the General Assembly with a balanced budget as the constitution requires, lawmakers would simply be sitting in Springfield being paid per diem wages on the taxpayer’s dime.

This is the second time in as many weeks that Rauner has pointed the finger of blame at Madigan as the budget standoff continues into its ninth month.

Rauner on Tuesday repeatedly referred to the House’s leave as a vacation, but Madigan spokesman Steve Brown says Rauner’s comments are baseless as the House schedule has been in place for months.

While the House is out, the governor is free to schedule meetings with legislative leaders to discuss the budget. If an agreement is reached, Rauner can then recall the General Assembly to vote on the measure