By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill – Illinois lawmakers are returning to work Wednesday, but not to pass a new state budget.
They will be at the Statehouse for what is supposed to be a one-day session.
The goal is to approve an $850 million plan to borrow money so the state can pay bills and qualify for extra federal funds.
Lawmakers will also consider lifting the state deadline for placing a candidate's name on the fall ballot.
That would help President Bush because he won't be formally nominated until after the state's regular deadline.
State officials remain deadlocked on how to fill a budget deficit of at least $2.3 billion.
The dispute has delayed the end of the spring legislative session, and officials have sent rank-and-file lawmakers home until a deal is negotiated.