Illinois House Republicans say they have narrowed their focus on issues tangential to a budget agreement.
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs said Monday that leaders in his caucus have met with Democrats to negotiate cost-saving changes to the workers' compensation and state employee pension-benefits programs.
They also want a four-year freeze on local property taxes in exchange for a four-year income tax increase. Lawmakers and GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner are trying to avoid the July 1 start of a third consecutive year without a budget.
The deficit is over $6 billion with a $15 billion pile of past-due bills.
