Rather than go on without any budget at all, the state Senate is poised to pass a one-month version.
Democrats already did that once, but they have to do it again because the measure now also covers state employee pay.
Democrats could also try to override the governor's veto of a full year's spending plan.
But Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno says she wonders if enough legislators will show up.
"Both would require them to have 36 members here, so that's a question,” Radogno said. “So I really don't know. We have not heard from them what they plan to do ... otherwise, we'll just work through the calendar, do some resolutions, some third readings and go home."
Radogno and other Republicans are against both a veto override and a stop gap budget. They say Illinois needs fundamental changes that will help the state attract businesses.
"I don't think it would be a prudent move, because it's grossly unbalanced, so we still would have the issue of how [they intend] to pay for it," Radogno said.
Plans for new revenue may be in the works. There's also another temporary option: the Senate's poised vote on a plan covering some expenses for July.
Gov. Rauner already said he's against it.
Democrats say the GOP's plans are harmful and it's important Illinois not allow important services to lapse.
Both sides say they wish an agreement was closer.
Senate Democrats say they'll unveil a package that deals with property taxes, education funding, and Chicago schools' pensions.
