By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – A push to end months of gridlock by passing a new state budget has bogged down amid differences between the Illinois House and Senate.
The House and Senate ended up passing separate versions of the budget Thursday and early Friday.
The House passed the budget 99-9. The Senate's slightly different version was approved 52-5.
The Senate began preparing to consider health care, a Chicago casino and a major construction program before adjourning abruptly after midnight.
The Senate session ended with harsh words from Senate President Emil Jones. He was angry that Republicans wanted to postpone action on a bond program to provide construction money for roads, bridges and schools.
He told Republican leader Frank Watson that his patience has worn thin.
Without a budget in place, the state cannot pay its employees or deliver financial aid to schools.