Rauner meets with leaders to end budget stalemate

SPRINGFIELD (WLS) -- Gov. Bruce Rauner met with state legislative leaders Friday behind closed doors in hopes of easing budget-related tension. It seemed to work for a few hours.

After the meeting, Senate President John Cullerton, a Democrat, said the Republican governor's "Turnaround Agenda" was not dead. He said the agenda is still on the table.

"I hope they're sincere in their comments," Rauner said. "I haven't seen it in actions, yet."

Earlier this week, Senate Democrats rejected several turnaround agenda bills in committee, including workers compensation, lawsuit reform and a property tax freeze.

Now it appears turnaround bills will get new hearings.

"It's a matter of degree is what we're told," said Republican Sen. Christine Radogno, the Senate minority leader. "So both sides, Republicans and Democrats, are going to have to find middle ground on this stuff."

Since his election, the governor has insisted he will not sign a tax increase to help resolve the state's projected $6 billion deficit without structural changes.

Speaker Madigan advised Rauner during an Exclusive ABC7 interview this week to soften that demand.

"This is where I say that it's critical that we not get on the extreme of things, that we move to the center," Madigan asid.

Rauner said taxpayers do not deserve a major tax hike forced on them without major structural reform in the state. He says that he will only know if the Democrats are willing to compromise by the time the regular legislative session ends on Sunday.

"If they really are sincere about making significant reforms, we'll know by Sunday night," Rauner said.