SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Legislative leaders gave mixed reviews to the latest discussions with Gov. Bruce Rauner to negotiate an end to Illinois’ epic budget standoff with any optimism tempered by skepticism about a possible compromise.

Republican House Leader Jim Durkin said after the meeting Tuesday he was heartened by Democrats’ willingness to discuss the pro-business reforms Rauner wants as a condition to an agreement. But after the meeting, House Speaker Michael Madigan said in a statement that progress on a budget is possible when Rauner “sets aside his agenda.”

Illinois has gone without a budget since July 1 when Rauner vetoed the out-of-balance spending plan Democrats sent him. He says he’ll support a tax increase only if Democrats pass legislation that curbs the power of unions and makes the state friendlier to business.

 

 

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.