Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner says he wants a "grand compromise" on a budget for both this fiscal year and the next one. And, he wants it by the end of next month.
The state has gone nearly 11 months without a budget. Lawmakers passed 600 million dollars in emergency funding for higher education last week. Now, they're considering a similar measure for human service agencies.
Rauner says he believes people are more optimistic that a bi-partisan budget solution can be reached. But... he says it has to include pro-business changes along with increased revenue.
"Because if we just did a tax hike and no reforms, more employers will leave and we'll still chase our tail down and we won't restore the confidence. We've got to start to get at the root causes of these deficits."
Rauner's comments Wednesday at Auburn High School were more subdued than in recent weeks when he has criticized Democratic leaders for a lack of progress in budget negotiations and accused them of ``playing games.''
Rauner says if the state can't reach a budget deal by the end of May, he'll consider calling a special session. And, he might foot the bill for it himself.
