The Southern has a good report on where the state budget negotiations are now that the House went home on Thursday and the Senate on Friday. If the budget's not settled on by next Friday, we will enter another grueling, long hot summer. There is no indication the Governor will accept what's been proposed and the two different versions will be negotiated by the Democrats over the weekend.
From the Southern:
The budget is balanced on two ideas that remain controversial: The sale of the state's pension debt and the transfer of dollars out of dozens of special state funds.
The fund transfers would give Gov. Rod Blagojevich $530 million for health care payments. It also would finally make payments to 24 school districts that have been awaiting construction dollars for five years.
The proposal would limit the special funds that could be tapped for cash. For example, the governor would not be allowed to divert money from funds dedicated to veterans programs and the state road program.
