Gov. Bruce Rauner's budget director is warning of "devastating" consequences if lawmakers don't agree on a spending plan for another year. Tim Nuding says he's concerned about providing electricity and food at Illinois' prisons and homes for veterans and disabled residents.
Illinois' credit rating also could take another hit if there's no agreement by the end of the spring legislative session on Tuesday. That would increase the cost to taxpayers of any state borrowing.
The Republican governor has been unable to reach a deal with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and Democratic Senate President John Cullerton on a budget for the current fiscal year or the new year that begins July 1.
Nuding is urging lawmakers to keep negotiating, but an end to the stalemate looks unlikely before Tuesday.
