SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is proposing a short-term budget fix for Illinois that funds public schools through next year and provides support for financially-strapped social service providers.
The proposal from the Rauner administration is last-ditch effort they say “serves as a bridge to keep government functioning” as the governor and lawmakers continue negotiating a full budget.
Illinois’ legislative session concludes Tuesday night.
Rauner and Democrats who rule the Legislature have been gridlocked for nearly a year over how to proceed with a budget for the fiscal year that began in July 1.
Rauner wants business-friendly legislation he says will spur economic growth in exchange for signing off on a tax increase to address a $5 billion deficit. Democrats say Rauner’s ideas hurt the middle class.
Rauner and legislative leaders are meeting Tuesday morning.