Illinois lawmakers continue 2015 budget talks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois lawmakers continued to grapple Wednesday with a new state budget, as Republicans ripped majority Democrats for spending beyond their means with a plan even Democrats acknowledge leaves “big unanswered questions” about the state’s finances.

A Senate committee debated the $37.5 billion budget approved by the House on Tuesday. But no votes were held as of early Wednesday evening because House Speaker Michael Madigan waited to send the bills to the Senate.