By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill – The Illinois Legislature is being called back into session, but not to vote on a new state budget.
A budget deadlock has driven the General Assembly into overtime. Leaders have sent the rank-and-file lawmakers home until a deal is reached.
But they are being ordered back to Springfield next Wednesday to consider two issues.
The House and Senate will vote on borrowing $850 million to pay Medicaid bills. If the state pays those bills now, it will qualify for extra federal funds.
In addition, the House will vote on granting President Bush an exemption to the deadline for being placed on the fall election ballot.
Bush won't officially become the Republican nominee until after the state's deadline for submitting candidates' names.
The Senate has already approved the change.