Illinois House Democrats pass $3.9 billion spending bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois House Democrats advanced a $3.9 billion measure to fund colleges and human services programs while the state operates without a budget.

Republicans say the plan headed to the Senate is a hoax and that there's no money for it.

In remarks before the vote Tuesday, House Speaker Michael Madigan blamed Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner for a stalemate that has dragged on since July 1. He says Rauner refuses to end the standoff because of a personal agenda.

Rauner wants reforms he says will grow the state economy as part of a budget agreement. Among other things, he wants to curb union powers and lower workers' compensation costs.

Rauner met with Madigan and other legislative leaders Tuesday. But the speaker's remarks indicate they made no progress on a budget deal.