SPRINGFIELD – News that the Illinois Governor and the Illinois House Speaker met wouldn't normally grab headlines, but in the only state in the union that has been budget-less for two years, a meeting like that is headline news in the Land of Lincoln these days.
After Thursday's unannounced meeting, an optimistic spokesperson for Governor Bruce Rauner's office released the following statement:
“For the first time in more than two years, Speaker Madigan today hinted that he may be willing to enact a truly balanced budget with changes that will help create jobs, properly fund our schools and lower property taxes. It's too soon to tell if the Speaker will ultimately agree to follow through, but the governor remains optimistic that all sides can work together to enact a balanced budget with changes that fix our broken system and restore balanced budgets for the long-term through strong economic growth. ”
Still waiting for a statement from the elusive Speaker Madigan.
