Illinois Democrats, GOP remain far apart in budget talks

(AP) — Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan suggested Tuesday that legislators should approve another short-term spending plan without giving in to any of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's demands, indicating the ideological divide behind the state's epic budget stand persisted through the bruising election season.

The Democrat made the comments after meeting with Rauner and other GOP leaders for the first time since Election Day, when the Republicans picked up enough seats in the state House to leave Democrats four votes shy of the supermajority they'd need to override the governor's vetoes.

Madigan said the meeting was respectful, but he made clear that the only way he'll agree to a spending plan is if Rauner sets aside his demands, pointing to previous partial budget agreements that didn't include the governor's agenda items.