Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says there's time for Republicans and rank-and-file Democrats to accomplish "a grand compromise" on a balanced budget before the Legislature adjourns May 31.
The Republican spoke Sunday at a manufacturing plant in suburban Chicago. He says he believes many Democrats are ready to accept economic reforms along with new revenue and "all we can do is keep trying." Illinois has been without a budget for more than 10 months during which Rauner has faced off with Democrats who control the Legislature.
Lawmakers have sent him a bill that would authorize a stopgap $700 million for human services programs. On Sunday, Rauner said such measures are short-term fixes.
The governor says the state's prosperity depends on workers' compensation reform and pension reform.