Rauner, Democrats keep fighting over budget as time runs out

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois Republican leaders say they're encouraged by Democrats' willingness to negotiate a deal to end an 11-month budget stalemate despite House Democrats passing a spending plan the day before that prompted boos from the GOP.

The Republican leaders spoke Thursday after meeting with Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton.

The meeting in Rauner's office happened immediately after House Democrats passed their own budget without considering any of the Republican governor's pro-business proposals. Rauner has already threatened to veto their plan, which includes education funding for schools this fall.

Rauner says pro-business legislation needs to be part of an agreement to raise taxes to address a multibillion-dollar deficit.

Republicans say Democrats told them Thursday they're willing to continue talks on Rauner's suggestions.