Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan says Democrats are finalizing a proposed state budget plan and could present it to minority Republicans as soon as Tuesday.
Madigan and fellow Chicago Democratic Rep. Greg Harris would not discuss details but said they're devising a spending plan and revenue to pay for it. It might be ready for discussion at Tuesday's meeting of the four legislative leaders.
House Republicans say they are willing to negotiate but need meaningful reforms in order to reach a budget deal.
House GOP Leader Jim Durkin says he's pleased his members have been meeting with democratic negotiators in recent days, but stresses the need for an agreement on not just the budget...but reforms as well.
Harris says designated House Democrats continue meeting with Republican colleagues to discuss ``non-budget'' issues demanded by GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner. They include cost-saving changes to workers' compensation and employee-pension programs and a property tax freeze.
The demands are among the reasons Illinois has not had an annual budget plan for two years. The stalemate has driven the deficit over $6 billion. The fiscal year begins Saturday.
