News Local/State

Pressure Mounts For Lawmakers To End Budget Impasse

by The Associated Press
 
In this Nov. 3, 2014 file photo, former Governor of Illinois Jim Edgar, left, shows his support of Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner, right, during a campaign rally in Springfield. Edgar, who ran the state from 1991 to 1999, is pressing

In this Nov. 3, 2014 file photo, former Governor of Illinois Jim Edgar, left, shows his support of Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner, right, during a campaign rally in Springfield, Ill. Edgar, who ran the state from 1991 to 1999, is pressing Rauner and Democratic leaders to negotiate a spending plan and warned of consequences to higher education, the business climate and social programs. Edgar says Rauner has to be the one to lead the state out of the impasse and not hold the plan "hostage" to other pro-business reforms he wants. Seth Perlman/AP

Pressure is building for Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and majority Democrats to end their months-long stalemate over Illinois' budget. Yet lawmakers appear no closer to a deal as they return to Springfield on Tuesday.

Moody's Investors Service said Monday the news that Illinois can't make its November pension payment could hurt the state's credit rating.
 
The United Way says a survey of human service agencies shows almost one-third will run out of money within a month. Business and labor leaders also called for a resolution, saying the feud is hurting Illinois' economy.
 
Last week, former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar said Rauner shouldn't "hold the budget hostage'' waiting for other reforms.  Rauner's office says Edgar is entitled to his opinions, but the challenges facing Illinois have been decades in the making.

But the head of the Illinois Republican Party says he's standing behind Rauner's approach.  GOP Chairman Tim Schneider spoke Monday before the City Club of Chicago. He told reporters afterward that he doesn't agree with Edgar's statement and that it's the opinion of one person.
 
Illinois is in its fourth month without a spending plan.
 
Rauner says he wants reforms including changes to workers compensation and term limits ahead of a budget deal. Legislative Democrats say they've aired many of Rauner's ideas already and want him to sign off on new taxes.