Today marks the 55th day since the Illinois legislature was supposed to have a new budget passed. That’s a record for the longest stalemate – breaking the previous mark set three years ago.

The budget frustration has led to some harsh words and procedural dust-ups between state leaders, all Chicago Democrats: House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President Emil Jones and Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Legislators passed a stopgap measure at the end of June to keep state government operating. That expires next week, though. And unless a full-year budget or another stopgap is passed, state government will shut down.