SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner are trying to craft a short-term budget deal to ensure schools open this fall and social service programs are funded while an epic battle over a long-term spending plan continues.
Two House committee planned on meeting Wednesday evening and lawmakers are scheduled to be in session Thursday with the expectation that they can vote on a plan. The Republican governor and Democrats who control the Legislature have spent several hours the last two days trying to agree on a deal.
Negotiations have focused on funding public schools for a full year. Social services and colleges would get money for six months.
Illinois is days away from entering a second fiscal year without a full budget on July 1.