Illinois Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan is proceeding with his own budget proposal in defiance of Gov. Bruce Rauner's wish for a compromise that includes pro-business, union-weakening reforms to settle a nearly yearlong stalemate.
Madigan says he told the Republican governor that "he's not being real persuasive" in negotiations that he's established with various groups of lawmakers. The groups are discussing possible changes to collective bargaining policies and how injured workers are compensated by employers.
Rauner says those changes are needed to improve Illinois' finances while the state faces a $5 billion deficit.
Democrats have yet to publicly unveil their budget plan, but Madigan says it can be introduced as soon as Wednesday. Lawmakers adjourn next Tuesday. Illinois has operated without a budget since July 1.
