SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The prospects that Illinois’ nearly yearlong budget stalemate will soon end are quickly diminishing even though Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner says he’s still “hopeful” for a deal.
Legislative leaders were meeting with Rauner Thursday afternoon. But Democrats have so far ignored Rauner’s calls for compromise.

House Democrats have approved their own budget that the governor says is $7 billion out of balance. His aides say he’ll likely veto it if the plan gets to his desk. It includes education funding but Rauner hasn’t said what he’ll do with that portion of the plan.

The Democrat-led House passed their budget for a second time Thursday to settle a procedural dispute that occurred Wednesday, when they passed the plan just hours after it was introduced. The Senate now will consider the budget.