Interim State Budget on Horizon

In the Capitol Beat tonight ... A new budget is in the works ... But its only temporarily. Today legislative leaders and the governor agreed to work on a 30 day budget. It appears to be the first time members are on the same page ..but its not the end. Theyve agreed on a temporary budget for July ... But after todays meeting ... The leaders are no where close to a permanent compromise. But as the governor quotes a famous world leader and poet ... Hes looking on the brighter side of things. "Speaker Madigans budget is dead were back to square one this is in many ways not unlike what Winston Churchill said after England and Britain were able to sustain the first wave of Natzi bombing this is not the beginning of the end. But it is the end of the beginning and is a new opportunity to begin new and begin fresh." Said Democratic Governor, Rod Blagojevich. Still Governor Rod Blagojevich continues to tout his gross receipts tax and healthcare plan. "We are a party that stands for healthcare for everybody." Said Blagojevich. While all four leaders are on different pages ... Leaders say for the sake of state workers and hospitals getting paid in July ... Theyre agreeing on one thing ... Crafting a 30 day budget. "I am not going to make any predications but I think the sense that everyone is along that same page." Said House Minority Leader, Tom Cross, R-Oswego. But theres still a permanent budget looming in the capitol ... A 58 billion dollar plan from the House. "I know that youre anxious to hear me say this but one chamber has passed a budget ... one chamber has passed a budget." Said House Speaker, Michael Madigan, D-Chicago. And a two billion dollar gambling revenue plan from the Senate. "If we stay here well get it done. Well get it done...eventually ...eventually. Said Senate President, Emil Jones, D-Chicago. But republicans say with an interim budget expected to be release next week ... Its now time to roll up their sleeves and get to work. "There is less pressure there is no doubt about that because what just happened. It does prolong the fact that we can keep it going. We could have 12 one month budgets but it hasnt .... our attitude in there is to get this done and get it done in a reasonable fashion. Said Senate Minority Leader, Frank Watson, R-Greenville.