Budget Meeting Between Legislative Leaders, Governor In The Works

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- A long-awaited meeting between Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders to discuss Illinois' budget impasse could materialize next month.

Several better government groups this week requested Rauner meet with leaders including House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton.

Illinois Campaign for Political Reform chairwoman Susan Garrett says Madigan responded and suggested the meeting be public. Chicago's Union League Club offered space for Nov. 18.

Late Friday, Rauner wrote to leaders saying he was free that day, but would host, circulate an agenda and allow it to be streamed publicly.

GOP leaders said they'd attend.

Cullerton and Madigan said they had to see the agenda first.

Illinois has been operating without a spending plan for months.

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