Legislative leaders gave mixed reviews to the latest discussions with Gov. Bruce Rauner to negotiate an end to Illinois' epic budget standoff with any optimism tempered by skepticism about a possible compromise.
Republican House Leader Jim Durkin said after the meeting Tuesday he was heartened by Democrats' willingness to discuss the pro-business reforms Rauner wants as a condition to an agreement. But after the meeting, House Speaker Michael Madigan said in a statement that progress on a budget is possible when Rauner ``sets aside his agenda.''
Illinois has gone without a budget since July 1 when Rauner vetoed the out-of-balance spending plan Democrats sent him. He says he'll support a tax increase only if Democrats pass legislation that curbs the power of unions and makes the state friendlier to business.