Leaders report slow progress in talks on construction, transit

SPRINGFIELD -- State officials say they're off to a good start as they take advantage of the latest reprieve from a mass transit crisis.

Governor Rod Blagojevich met with legislative leaders for nearly three hours to discuss transit funding and a statewide construction program.

Afterwards, lawmakers said the discussion focused on different gambling proposals to pay for the projects. Options include new casinos and slot machines at horse racing tracks.

Last week, the state came up with money to postpone deep cuts in Chicago-area mass transit. Leaders promised to come up with a permanent solution in seven to 10 days.

But negotiators now say it may take weeks.