For the first time since summer, Governor Bruce Rauner and the legislature's four top leaders got together Tuesday morning. They're set to do it again Wednesday.
Tuesday's gathering didn't last long--roughly a half an hour. House Speaker Michael Madigan characterized the tenor as "very respectful." But, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, had a different view.
"We listened to the Speaker's comments and we're frankly confused by them," she said.
Here's the confusion. Or the dispute, anyway.
Madigan says he wants to bring other legislators into negotiations; Republicans say it's time for the top leaders alone to get serious about a deal.
Democrats want a budget -- straight up; the GOP wants a grand bargain -- pairing spending, new revenue, and with Rauner's controversial pro-business, anti-union platform.
Illinois's temporary spending plan expires at the end of next month.
