Is Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan ready to compromise on reforms Republicans say are necessary for a budget deal?

Speaker Madigan, Gov. Bruce Rauner and other legislative leaders held a rare meeting on Tuesday. Afterward, Speaker Madigan issued a statement saying he will assign lawmakers to a working group to hammer out details on the governor’s reform items. However, Speaker Madigan said Gov. Rauner continues to insist on non-budget issues Madigan says will hurt the middle class.

Leading GOP Sen. Christine Radogno said she’s hopeful Democrats are willing to move on the proposed reforms.

“Because I guarantee you the people of this state are not willing to pay more money for the same lousy government that they’ve had for the last several years,” Radogno said.

Governor Rauner has been pushing for reforms he says will help attract businesses and grow the economy. Lawmakers have until May 31 to pass a budget with a simple majority.