SPRINGFIELD - Statement from Senate President John Cullerton regarding today’s legislative leaders meeting with the governor.

“We remain fully committed to the working groups, but the reality is that we need revenue with reforms to have a balanced budget, and it is the end of May.

If we run out of time, we have no backup plan to keep our state operating.

Today, I suggested a short-term compromise to keep the schools open, our universities open and our human service providers open while we continue to negotiate a broader, balanced budget solution.

I think that’s a practical way forward given reality.”