Rauner delays leaders meeting, wants Dem budget proposal

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration and Republican leaders are delaying a planned legislative leaders meeting Thursday in Chicago, saying they’ll reconvene when Democratic leaders are prepared to present a budget proposal.

“The governor and Re- publican leaders remain ready to negotiate on a balanced budget with reforms to grow jobs, lower property taxes, improve schools and implement term limits,” Rauner deputy chief of staff Lance Trover said in a statement. “However, Democratic leaders continue to discuss internally whether they are prepared to pres- ent a budget proposal, so we will schedule the next Four Leaders meeting when we receive confirmation that they are ready.”

Rauner’s administration said the delay was prompted after reaching Rep. Greg Harris and learning the Democratic leaders were not planning to present their budget proposal. Harris has been attending leaders meetings alongside House Speaker Michael Madigan as his “chief negotiator.”

Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said it’s the governor who should be presenting a budget, not leaders. But signaled the speaker would try to work with the governor to try to move forward with talks.

“We’re going to try to examine and try to understand the governor’s actions,” Brown said. “The Democrats have been working tirelessly to deal with the budget issues. Somehow they had it in their heads that we’re going to take over some executive action. I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

“We’re trying to do what the governor is asking us to do and go forward,” Brown said.

The Democratic and Republican leaders last met with Rauner on Tuesday.

The state runs out of spending authority in 24 days under a stopgap budget.