Legislature Back in Springfield, Budget Options Dwindle

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois lawmakers continue action in Springfield Wednesday with fewer options to break a budget impasse with Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Senate Democrats pushed Tuesday to override Rauner's rejection of a $36 billion spending plan. Chances of that succeeding faded because the House would have to follow suit and two Democrats who hold necessary votes to override there remain opposed.

Lawmakers and the first-year governor have been deadlocked for weeks over a spending plan that was supposed to be in place by July 1 to pay bills for the new fiscal year. Democrats acknowledge they want to spend up to $4 billion more than they expect to take in, but Rauner wants pro-business reforms before negotiating.

The Senate will consider a one-month budget for essential services, but Rauner also opposes that.

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