Democratic lawmakers in Springfield and Republican governor Bruce Rauner have until May 31 to reach a budget deal. 

Why May 31? That day marks the end of the legislative session, and after that, passing any legislation, including the long-sought “grand bargain,” would require three-fifths of lawmakers to vote “yes” for any bill to pass. 

Illinois long ago broke the record for the state to go the longest without an annual spending plan, and lawmakers say they recognize they need to pass a plan pronto, so will it happen? Morning Shift talks to WBEZ state politics reporter Tony Arnold about the status of a grand bargain and how by continuing to prolong the budget fight, politicians in Springfield are exacerbating the state’s dire financial situation.