Illinois legislators' fall veto session is getting underway, and already a bipartisan split is festering.
Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan said Sunday a conflict prevented him from accepting an invitation to meet with the governor Monday.
The Democratic Senate President said he would not attend either, because it would not be productive without all four legislative leaders.
GOP Governor Bruce Rauner and the General Assembly's minority leaders met anyway.
Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno called Democrats' absence disappointing.
"This is all game playing. This is all avoiding the issue. This is, they need to figure out what they're going to do now to stymie the governor and people in this state who want things to move forward,” Radogno said.
Radogno says it's time to begin crafting a state budget, before the government runs out of spending authority.
But public criticism of the Democratic leaders could hinder compromise.
Democrats say they too want to pass a budget, but Rauner has refused to negotiate until they first pass his agenda, which Democrats say will hurt unions and jobs.
Another meeting is set for Tuesday morning.
