Gov. Bruce Rauner has sought to increase pressure on majority Democrats to end Illinois' unprecedented budget stalemate.
In a speech in suburban Chicago Wednesday, the Republican said Democrats should either agree to some of his pro-business agenda or pass a balanced budget, and a tax hike, without his support.
He says: "Time's up."
But the day's events seemed to only emphasize how far apart the two sides remain.
Democrats refuse to take up Rauner's priorities, saying they will hurt working families and Illinois' most vulnerable residents.
House Speaker Michael Madigan on Wednesday again blamed Rauner's "failure" to focus on the budget for causing cuts to programs like cancer screening and autism treatment.
Several lawmakers now openly speculate the impasse could last well into 2016.
