By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill – Illinois legislative leaders emerged from the governor's office Monday with no progress on a new budget but a pledge to meet again.
Lawmakers are deadlocked with Governor Rod Blagojevich over a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins Thursday.
There was one sign of potential progress. Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago postponed action he planned today on a "core-services" budget that would keep government running July First if there was no deal.
Officials must close a $2.3 billion deficit and Blagojevich has called reluctant legislators into five special sessions in as many days to keep them in the capital.