By John Dempsey, WLS-AM News

(CHICAGO) Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner says it is time for Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly to compromise if the state budget crisis is going to end.

Rauner told “The Big John and Ramblin’ Ray Show”  that he has already compromised on the items on his pro-business agenda.

“You asked about more compromise, we’ve compromised relentlessly for two years.   We’ve backed off on so many things.   Right now there’s a proposal that’s been put forth by lawmakers.  It’s a reasonable compromise.   It moves in every regard.   None of it is exactly where I think we should be but it’s a good step in the right direction.   It’s being criticized by the left, it’s being criticized by the right, that’s by definition a compromise.  By definition it’s somewhere in the middle.”

Republicans have proposed a plan that would reduce workers’ compensation costs for employers and freeze local property taxes for four years.    Rauner says the legislature should approve that plan.

“Lawmakers have proposed a balanced budget and a compromise that helps to create more jobs, lowers our property taxes, gets term limits on most elected officials.   It’s a great compromise.   Get that to my desk, they should vote.  And so far we’ve had two days of the special session with the General Assembly , they’ve done nothing.”

Democrats say the Republican plan would hurt workers.

Senate Democrats have approved a $37.3 billion plan that includes cuts and an income tax increase, but so far the House has not considered that proposal.

Republicans want a plan that includes Rauner’s changes along with an income tax increase.

Rauner has called the legislature back to Springfield for a special session that began Wednesday but so far nothing has been accomplished.

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