Dec. 18--House Speaker Michael Madigan didn't show up for a Thursday meeting with Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders, the latest sign that the budget impasse that's consumed state government for nearly six months is headed into 2016.
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said the Democratic speaker was a no-show because of a scheduling conflict that "came up," but would not specify what the conflict was.
The meeting was the third in as many weeks between the first-term Republican governor and leaders from both parties in the General Assembly. Madigan attended the two previous meetings, and told reporters after last week's confab that negotiations had progressed.
"I think we're closer because every time we meet, there'll be some progress," Madigan said at the time.
The following day, Madigan declared at a luncheon in Chicago that the state income tax rate should be raised back to at least 5 percent to help balance the state's books. The Illinois Republican Party responded with a social media campaign that labeled Madigan "Tax Hike Mike."
While Madigan was absent from the meeting, three of his campaign funds on Thursday reported collecting $445,400 in contributions. Nearly all of the money came from labor unions or trial lawyers that historically have backed Madigan and Democrats against Republicans and business interests. All told, four Madigan campaign funds have reported taking in more than $5.87 million since Jan. 1.
The budget stalemate is poised to be a central issue in next year's House and Senate campaigns.
Rauner has held out on agreeing to a full spending plan for state government until lawmakers approve a series of pro-business, union-weakening measures that are opposed by Democrats who control the legislature.
Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno told reporters after the Thursday meeting that the group was "still talking about the same issues we've been talking about."
"The issues haven't changed," Radogno said.
House Republican leader Jim Durkin said Madigan was stalling progress by skipping the meeting.
"I thought it was a good conversation, but the fact is we're not going to move this along unless we all are fully participating and actively involved in these negotiations," Durkin said. "There were four of us -- good discussion -- but we're not going to get any further down the road unless we have everyone in this room."
Democratic Senate President John Cullerton did not talk to reporters afterward, nor did Rauner.
kgeiger@tribpub.com
