By Howard Packowitz

Illinois lawmakers haven’t offered many signs of hope that they’ll agree on a budget, but Bloomington State Rep. Dan Brady sees some reason for optimism for a deal on worker compensation reform.

Brady said Republicans have been willing to compromise to find common ground with Democrats, particularly on causation standards determining whether employees were hurt in the workplace or elsewhere.

“Was it done at the workplace or was it done somewhere else? That causation is pivotal, really to both sides and especially the employer,” said Brady.

The special legislative session began Wednesday, and Gov. Bruce Rauner told WJBC’s Patti Penn on Friday the gathering has so far been a waste of time.

Lawmakers have until the end of the month to pass a balanced budget, or else Illinois might face a credit rating downgrade to “junk” status, roadwork may come to a halt, and schools will be without promised state funding.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]