High Hopes in Springfield SPRINGFIELD, IL (wqub) - Illinois legislative leaders and the Governor are expected to begin negotiating in earnest this week on several high profile issues. They range from a statewide infrastructure program to a long term funding solution for Chicago area mass transit. Sean Crawford reports:

After months of talking to the media about the need to deal with these matters.... those in charge at the Illinois Capitol might finally be getting down to business... and talking to one another. Meetings are scheduled starting Tuesday and those involved say they're optimistic a deal can be reached in a matter of several days. But it appears on some issues... the negotiations are back to square one.

That's especially true on a construction package.... which could include more gambling to pay for it. The Senate already approved legislation but House Republican Leader Tom Cross says a fresh approach is necessary...

That's not to say gaming won't be part of a final deal... if one can be reached. A Chicago casino... and possibly more are being considered along with slot machines at horse tracks and the ability to play the ponies over the internet. But Cross stresses there's work to do on how the proceeds would be divided. There's also plenty of disagreement on mass transit funding... with ideas ranging from new taxes to higher fares. © Copyright 2009, wqub