Illinois political leaders cut a deal on a makeshift budget Thursday to keep state government afloat for six months, ensure schools open this fall and rescue the financially struggling Chicago Public Schools — a temporary reprieve to the stalemate that's gripped the Capitol for a year and a half.
The deal sustains 800 road and bridge projects, worth about $2 billion and employing an estimated 25,000 workers.
Supporters were quick to note that the heavy lifting on a more complete budget lies ahead. The legislation does nothing to reduce the state's $8 billion bill backlog and is likely to add to it because there are no new ways to pay for the additional spending.