By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – Illinois lawmakers met Thursday in a special session ordered by Governor Rod Blagojevich, but the governor did not take part.
Lawmakers scolded the Democratic governor for refusing to attend a House hearing. They say it contradicts his claim that he wants to work with the General Assembly on coming up with a new state budget.
But Blagojevich says it would have been a waste of time. He says House Speaker Michael Madigan is playing games instead of trying to come up with real solutions.
The governor and legislative leaders have been deadlocked over the budget for weeks.
Blagojevich says he will call lawmakers into special session every day until a budget passes.
The first day was devoted to his idea of privatizing the state lottery.
Madigan asked the governor to show up and explain his plan, but Blagojevich refused.