Rauner To Urge Bipartisan Deal On Illinois' Budget Crisis

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Gov. Bruce Rauner will strike an optimistic tone in his State of the State address, while acknowledging Illinois faces "significant challenges."

The Republican's Wednesday speech comes as he gears up for a 2018 re-election bid.

His office says Rauner will focus on Illinois' accomplishments, such as making government more efficient and increasing school funding. He'll also renew his call for lawmaker term limits.

Lawmakers haven't agreed on a state budget for almost two years, leading to deep cuts to social services and higher education and billions in overdue bills.

Rauner and Illinois' largest state-employee union also have been fighting over a new labor contract.

Rauner is expected to cite a bipartisan package being considered in the Senate as evidence lawmakers can work together. But that agreement is far from a done deal.

(TM and © Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)