GOP, Democrats say progress made in Illinois budget talks

Gov. Bruce Rauner and majority Democrats were pushing competing plans to ensure schools stay open and government operations continue, though there were signs late Tuesday that the two sides could reach a deal on stopgap spending as Illinois approaches a second year without a full state budget.

Legislative leaders left a nearly three-hour meeting with the Republican governor saying they had made progress and would meet again Wednesday morning.

None would reveal details of their discussions, but Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan said he was "optimistic that we can settle a whole host of problems," and Senate President John Cullerton told reporters it's "exciting that we're this close."

Republican House leader Jim Durkin and Senate leader Christine Radogno agreed it was a good discussion, though Radogno said, "Caution is always in order." Read more.