The Illinois General Assembly is moving into its eighth week without a budget. And Illinoisans are left wondering how much longer lawmakers can keep up the staring contest. But with nothing in Illinois law requiring lawmakers to settle on a budget within a specific period of time – and a lack of political pressure points to spur action – the will to come to a compromise is waning.

 

In fact, the budget impasse could technically last until January 2016, when a new legislative session begins.

 

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the Democrats’ budget proposal on account of its $4 billion revenue gap has both parties doubling down on their own solutions. While House Speaker Mike Madigan insists on using tax increases to cover the gap, Rauner and the Republicans continue to argue for stronger reform efforts. Despite continued budget talks between the governor, Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, Springfield remains at a standstill.

 

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