Quinn gives leaders until Friday to OK budget plan

Gov. Pat Quinn has given legislative leaders until Friday to agree on a plan that he said is needed to avoid a $30 million shutdown of state construction projects.

The governor met with top legislators at his office in Chicago on Wednesday. Without consensus on legislation that funds construction for highways, schools and other state projects, the governor would have to begin halting construction, probably as early as Monday, Quinn spokeswoman Mica Matsoff said.

"If there is an agreement — and only if there is an agreement — are we able not to begin this shutdown that the governor wants to do everything he can possible to avoid," Matsoff told reporters after the meeting.

None of the state's Democratic leaders spoke with reporters. They left Quinn's office out a back exit.

Officials have said a shutdown would cost the state $30 million and idle 52,000 workers.

There are tentative plans for lawmakers to meet in Springfield on June 22 to consider granting routine permission to spend money on construction projects, such as highway and bridge improvements, Matsoff said.

Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Mike Madigan, said a letter went out to House Democrats on Wednesday informing them of the one-day session.

The construction bill is in legislative limbo. Senate Democrats added $430 million in education and social services spending during the spring legislative session, but the House refused to go along.

Quinn wants the Senate to drop the extra money and approve the bill, with the understanding that lawmakers will have a "sincere discussion" in the fall about finding ways to reallocate money in the existing $33.2 billion budget to address their concerns, Matsoff said.

Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig has said the phased shutdown would have to start Monday in order for work to wind down by June 30, the end of the fiscal year.

Republican leaders said their priority is getting the bill rolling again.

"We do not want to use the capital bill for leverage, and that's exactly what it's being used for," Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno told reporters.

"That's wrong," he added. "There's 52,000 jobs at stake."