The top House Republican in the Illinois legislature says the tone in Springfield is deteriorating - and has been since the election.
Jim Durkin is House Republican Leader. He thinks it’s because Democrats are upset Illinois Republicans picked up seats this year.
"For many years, Republicans have been pushed around. We’ve been defeated, outspent - grossly outspent - for many, many years. Republicans gave them, them - the Democrats, a taste of their own medicine last November and I think that they’re still reeling over it."
The current state budget expires December 31st, and there’s no negotiating going on.
Durkin says he’s not making any New Year’s Eve plans - so he can be available for any last-minute talks.
Democrats say negotiations have broken down because Governor Bruce Rauner is tying his political agenda to a state budget.