SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner is again saying he expects a deal to address Illinois’ $1.6 billion budget deficit within days.

But a spokeswoman for Senate President John Cullerton says there’s still work to do.

The Republican governor said Wednesday legislation is being drafted after weeks of negotiations with Democratic leaders. Rauner wouldn’t discuss specifics.

Cullerton spokeswoman Rikeesha Phelon says the draft plan includes an across-the-board 2.25 percent spending cut. She says many Senate Democrats have “serious concerns” because the cut includes education. She says Rauner and legislative leaders need to try again to reach a deal that can pass both chambers.

House Speaker Michael Madigan floated the idea of across-the-board cuts.

Illinois has run out of money for a subsidized daycare program. Funds to pay court reporters also are running low.

 

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