The meeting has been set. Now, the question is, will it make a difference?

 

A well-timed invitation from good-government groups to set up a meeting where Governor Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders could discuss the overdue budget got the wheels turning Tuesday.

 

Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago agreed to attend. Other leaders followed. Republican Rauner took over the planning and set a Nov. 18 date in the governor’s office.

 

The fiscal year started July 1 but there’s still no budget. Rauner insists on changes to help business thrive first. Democrats who control the Legislature say those issues should be handled separately.

 

Democrats say there will be progress at the meeting if Rauner sets aside the reform agenda. But his invitation to the leaders specifically mentions “structural reforms.”