Last updated 3:18AM ET
November 24, 2009
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Ill. Leaders Strive for Resolution
(2007-11-09)
(wqub) - On Friday ... Governor Rod Blagojevich said mass transit funding, gambling expansion and the state's infrastructure needs could be resolved in "seven to ten days." But after the governor's first meeting since then with legislative leaders ... that timeline's was already pushed back. Amanda Vinicky reports:

This year's legislative session's been contentious ... with the governor and leaders of the General Assembly fighting over the budget and policies ... as well as over personality differences.
But Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson of Greenville walked out of the latest meeting saying they'd made progress.

"I think a lot was accomplished, actually. A lot of movement, a lot of discussion. More than we've ever had."

Watson says meeting focused on an expansion of gambling . That would pay for road, bridge and school construction ... as well as put money into classrooms. While he and other legislative leaders say nothing was pinned down ... the proposal currently on the table allows for a new casino in Chicago, a second one in an undetermined location, and slots at racetracks. But despite calling the discussions "productive" ... Watson say it will take longer to straighten out than first promised.

"That was originally what was said, 7 to 10 days. But I think we're talking more, more time than that."

How much longer? Watson says it's hard to say.
They'll talk again Thursday.
I'm Amanda Vinicky.
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