Governor Bruce Rauner says he and Democratic legislators have until midnight Sunday to reach a deal on both the state budget and his pro-business agenda. That's when the General Assembly is scheduled to leave town for the summer.
What happens after Sunday, the Republican governor wouldn't say. But Rauner is reportedly ready to use his massive campaign fund to unleash a barrage of ads, aimed at getting the public on his side. He also says he's set to continue meetings all summer to get his way. Another thing Rauner wouldn't say wouldn't say is exactly what a deal would look like.
"We'll know by Sunday night. We'll either have a deal Sunday night or we won't, and anybody who says, 'well we didn't have enough time,' that's bologna. That's wrong; we had plenty of time."
Democrats, who control the General Assembly, are moving forward with a budget they admit is out of balance. They want a tax hike to mitigate cuts; Rauner says he'll only consider that if they pass some of his priorities, like a workers' compensation overhaul, and a property tax freeze.
The legislative leaders met with Rauner this morning, and left saying they're open to further negotiations.
