Illinois Lawmakers Working to Meet Budget Deadline

Gov. Bruce Rauner, center, addresses reporters outside his state Capitol office Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Rauner, a Republican, and the GOP legislative leaders want Democrats to reach agreement with them on a state budget plan before the May 31 scheduled adjournment of the Legislature.
Gov. Bruce Rauner, center, addresses reporters outside his state Capitol office Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Rauner, a Republican, and the GOP legislative leaders want Democrats to reach agreement with them on a state budget plan before the May 31 scheduled adjournment of the Legislature. John O’Connor / AP Photo
Gov. Bruce Rauner, center, addresses reporters outside his state Capitol office Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Rauner, a Republican, and the GOP legislative leaders want Democrats to reach agreement with them on a state budget plan before the May 31 scheduled adjournment of the Legislature.
Gov. Bruce Rauner, center, addresses reporters outside his state Capitol office Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Rauner, a Republican, and the GOP legislative leaders want Democrats to reach agreement with them on a state budget plan before the May 31 scheduled adjournment of the Legislature. John O’Connor / AP Photo

Illinois Lawmakers Working to Meet Budget Deadline

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Illinois lawmakers are staring down a May 31st deadline to pass a balanced budget. A couple of things are different this time around: no high drama and there’s reportedly a level of optimism that’s typically absent from budget talks. Part of the reason could be the upcoming elections; legislators and the governor are eager to hit the campaign trail in earnest. Morning Shift explores the ongoing process and how likely it is that the deadline to pass a spending plan will be met.

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WBEZ State Politics Reporter Tony Arnold