SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The rivalry between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan continues to intensify during Illinois’ 10-month budget stalemate, leaving little hope that the state will have a spending plan any time soon.

Neither man has budged from their respective positions in a battle of attrition that has left Illinois as the only state in the country without a budget for the fiscal year that began July 1. Rauner wants a series of reforms aimed at curbing the power of unions and reducing costs for businesses. Madigan describes Rauner’s proposals as destructive for the working class.

Tuesday marked the first time they were in the same room since December for negotiations. But instead of reporting progress, they’ve publicly maligned the other’s position.

 

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